From Limitless to Learning: Redefining Strength After Injury

Hi everyone, Marie here. Today, I want to get personal. As many of you know, I've spent most of my life moving. From being an elite athlete to a gym owner and trainer for the past 20 years, my body has been my temple – a testament to hard work and unwavering strength, determination, and focus. The quote above reminds me that our bodies are incredible things and even in the face of something life changing, our bodies can and will adapt.

In May 2021, everything changed. A back injury left me with a loss of motor function in my left leg and propelled me down a path of multiple surgeries – back surgery in June 2021, a hysterectomy in January 2022 (this was a genetic thing, but the timing was crazy!), and another back surgery in September 2023. Suddenly, the body I knew, the one I relied on so fiercely, didn’t feel like mine anymore. I am unable to do a lot of the things that once brought me immense joy. The ferocious spirit of this athlete was taken from competition and left with doubt, hesitation, and some permanent deficits. I cannot feel most of my left foot. There is weakness and instability that I work on every day.

Experiencing the last few years of my life was a brutal wake-up call. My brain, sharp as ever, remembered the exhilaration of running, the power of a pull-up, the freedom of movement. But my body, once my strongest ally, now feels like a stranger.

Doubt crept in. Was this the end? Could I ever be "strong" again? The answer, I discovered, is yes, but strength takes on a whole new meaning after injury. It's about rebuilding trust with your body, learning its new language, and celebrating its resilience.

At 40, staring down the memory of my former self, it's easy to get discouraged. There are days filled with frustration and a deep sense of loss. But there's also a fire within me, a stubborn determination to make the most of my new normal. For those of you who know me personally, you know the stubbornness. You know my determination. What you may not see is the struggle.

Here's the truth: the future of fitness isn't defined by what you once did. It's about embracing possibility. I've learned patience, the importance of listening to my body, and the power of reflection. The patience part is challenging. It is a practice and some days, I fail miserably. Thankfully, I am stubborn and dont quit. I relentlessly pursue what I want (could be a flaw, but I am thankful for it). After a major injury, especially one that impacted my sense of self, reconnecting with my body became paramount.

Here's why listening and paying attention to recovery signals are crucial in your own journey:

Firstly, rebuilding trust with your body is essential. The trauma you experienced can leave lingering doubts about its capabilities. Tuning into pain, fatigue, and limitations allows you to understand your body's new language and rebuild a foundation of trust. Pushing through pain could lead to further setbacks, hindering your progress and potentially prolonging the healing process.

Secondly, listening to your body fosters a personalized recovery experience. Everyone heals differently, and comparing your progress to others can be discouraging. By paying close attention to your body's responses, you can tailor your recovery plan and celebrate small victories. This individualized approach ensures sustainable movement in the long run, allowing you to design a fitness routine that supports your current capabilities and fosters long-term well-being.

Now, for the power of reflection:

Reflection becomes a powerful tool in the face of such a dramatic shift. Recalling the joy of past movement can be a motivator, but dwelling on what was lost can be a recipe for discouragement. Instead, reflecting on how your body is responding now, its limitations and surprising strengths, allows you to chart a new course. This introspective process fosters acceptance of your current reality and empowers you to celebrate small victories along the way. By reflecting on your body's messages, you can redefine what strength means to you in this new chapter, paving the way for a future filled with empowered movement.

Thank you for reading!

These experiences, both physically and emotionally challenging, have become some of my greatest teachers. As a trainer and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, I draw strength from my journey to help others overcome their own obstacles.

Remember, your body is capable of incredible things, even when the path takes an unexpected turn. Let's redefine strength together and create a future of empowered movement, no matter the challenge.