I have a story for you. Let’s pretend for a moment that it’s hypothetical - about no one in particular. That way, it’s easier to relate and understand that this is something that nearly all of us do, and maybe it’s something that you want to think about preparing for in the future.

And, of course, you’ll have to remember that here in Australia, we play different games than you do - insert your favorite park game in the story if that makes it more familiar.

A Nice Day out in the Park

We’ve all done it: stopped taking a regular interest in our health and wellbeing.  It happens - I know.

Then, one day, we’re invited to a day out in the park for a game of cricket (or if you insist, baseball), thinking it’s just a friendly, fun game - nothing major. Perhaps just a good chance to catch up with friends.

Yes, we’re thinking, “I love a good game of cricket with friends - a day out in the sun and fresh air.”

Then the game begins. We’re asked to bowl (or, again, if you insist - pitch). “Great! Can’t wait to get my friend, Eugene, out,” we think (if you have a friend named Eugene, of course). We bowl fast ones, spinners. You name it: we bowl it.

“Yeah, I got him out!”  “Yeah, my turn to bat!” (Finally, a common term.)

“I’ll get twice as many runs as Eugene got,” we think.  We run, run, run, run our heart out.  “Yeah, I gained 5 more runs than Eugene did - I’m a legend!”

A Great Day Gets Better

Everyone goes home after a fun day out in the park - an awesome game of cricket, and you beat your best mate at his game.  What a day - couldn’t be better. 

Then, we’re asked over to our mate’s place for dinner and drinks to top the day off.  Of course we go. Why not?

But Then the Next Day Arrives…

We get out of bed to get ready to go to work, and think “Awh, jeez. That hurts. Whew - just getting out of bed hurts. Maybe it was just the way I slept . . . or rose.” 

Then we go to brush our teeth. “Ouch, that hurt my stomach bending over the sink. That’s weird. Why’s that happening? It doesn’t usually.” 

Then we go to put a shirt on.  “Why can’t I lift my arm up to put my shirt on???”

Whats Going On???

Whats happening here, is that our body has not moved in those ways - outdoor activity induced ways - for quite some time, and so it is not used to moving like that. And it has reacted accordingly.

When our bodies are neglected like this, our muscles get effectively shredded, and the next day we’re seized up from the fun day out in the park and the friendly game of cricket.

And this, dear reader, is what happened to my beloved husband. 

He had not moved his body sufficiently for quite some time, and as a result, when he did, ever so innocently, it caused his entire body to seize up for nearly an entire week.

Avoiding Senseless Pain

Now, if there is anything we can learn from my husband’s mistake it would be: don’t forget to keep your body serviced so when you want to enjoy fun times, you won’t have to endure any ‘post-traumatic’ pains because your body wasn’t prepared.

If you have any secrets on maintaining and servicing your body (which don’t include sitting out of fun, outdoor activities), please share them in the comments. I assure you, my husband will give them a shot after the week he’s just had.

As a personal trainer who's always loved her body, Sue Bary was tired of being classified as 'mildly obese' and wanted to help others experience Enjoyable Body Movement without being subject to the usual verbiage of weight loss and dieting. Thus, she created enarji, a personal training practice steeped in the Health at Every Size approach and attitude. To learn more about Sue, click here. Because you are a special More of Me to Love member, Sue wants you to enjoy a FREE consultation through enarji's Virtual Health Coach services. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to schedule your free consultation today!