Taking Care of an Injury

So, if you've been keeping up with my latest posts, you've seen that I have new respect for Tony Horton.  I also have a new-found self-loathing for allowing myself nearly 4 months without real exercise.  "What was I thinking?!?!!"  After sustaining a pretty nasty shoulder injury, here is my conclusion.

Fitness Tip #2:  Exercise must be a part of your lifestyle, not an means to an end.

This came to me very clearly as I agonized in the shower this morning, praying the scalding heat would erase the stabbing pain in my shoulder.  I think back to where I was physically just 4 short months ago, and it makes me want to cry.  Somewhere along the way I allowed life to get in the way of taking care of myself, so that the first time I pick up some weights I'm on the IR (injured reserve) list!  But, you see, there is the problem.  Exercise was meant to be a part of my life, not a temporary addition.  It should be given the same priority as eating breakfast or sleeping 8 hours at night.  I know.  Most of you are laughing at that 8 hours comment.

So, here we go.  Say it with me: "Daily exercise is part of who I am, not just what I do!"

Now, for those of you finding yourself in the same unfortunate situation I am currently in, check out this great post on the good-ole' RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).  Good luck!