“I’ve always been a pretty fit and healthy person; very active and not one to sit inside and watch Netflix on a day off. Technically I am what old fashioned scales (like BMIs) would call overweight, but I’m healthy and very comfortable. In 2018 I completed my first marathon (narrowly missing out on a sub 4-hour finish by 3 minutes, despite never training passed 13 miles). I’ve always stayed fit through football, going for runs after work, longboarding, cycling, swimming, walking/hiking, basically anything other than the gym.
Unfortunately, I’ve spent the last 6 months recovering from ACL and cartilage damage in my right knee, and about 80% of my exercise and physical activity is highly impacting on this. It’s been a tough recovery; having gone from it taking me 5-10 seconds for my brain to process actions involving the joint to straightening my leg, walking, cycling and swimming. I’m still in a position that I may need surgery, but that won’t be known until once a certain C word has passed!
The downside of this injury is that now I definitely am overweight! I weighed myself recently and wasn’t surprised to see that I have put on over a stone since this occurred! It has however given me the motivation to correct this; furloughing me has had some benefits! I am really enjoying exploring alternative exercises to what I have traditionally taken part in. I have the time to test out workout routines and pilates/stretching and can still enjoy my long cycles. I have been following my friend’s HIIT workouts that he leads on Zoom and enjoying exercising with others able to see and support me. I am learning what I can and can’t do and what I am feeling the benefit from. I must be cautious of my knee and will adapt or replace exercises if required. I’m beginning to feel healthier already and confident in my strength and knee at the moment, and very motivated and determined to use my time off from work to return to a healthier weight.”
Thank you from the Humans of HIIT community for sharing your story!
