Cycling is a key part of my physio which I am now monitoring myself, using my sporty friends, sister and Instagram for inspiration. I aim for 20 minutes, or 10 km, depending which one comes first. I cycled two or three times a week for first month but now only once a week as I have taken up Yoga and Pilates, and I most certainly have noticed a difference!
I no longer get bum cramp within 7 minutes of starting my cycle, or seriously achy thighs, or feel like the cycle just might be the thing that kills me. Instead I get bum cramp within 2 minutes of starting cycling, my thighs are less achy and it takes longer for the death feeling to approach. Having done no cardio for nearly a year it is going to take some time for any sort of fitness to return. Despite all this it does feel fantastic to finnish somewhat resembling the colour of a tomato and gasping for breath, a very obvious display of my hard work!
I have also begun to run, currently completing 2.5km in 17 minutes. I am trying to increase my flexibility, strength and fitness, but by gosh does it take motivation and persistence. Only after 10 minutes of stretching I can touch my toes, where as a year ago I could get my hands flat on the floor.
Something I have been struggling with is is the over activity of my hip flexor. This is meant to be a reasonably sized tendon that runs down the front of your pelvis inline with your knee. Mine is far larger than it should be, which is very common in hip replacement patients. It can be quite painful, stopping me from doing things, even simple ones like sit ups or walking up high tread stairs, and it is driving me potty!
When I am at the gym I am constantly asking the personal trainers if they will go through some alternative exercises with me that don't hurt my hip flexor and I am always presently surprised how good some of their alternatives are (thank you)! I am hoping to share them with you in due time.
(Please bear in mind I am no fitness expert and like a lot of you reading this blog I am still recovering so won't be performing to any great skill level. Please seek medical advice before trying these, I am not responsible for any injuries sustained from trying them).
I hope this blog is still providing the answers people are looking for or if your simply being nosey I hope you enjoy the read. Please get in contact if you have a specific question.
X