There comes a time in everyone’s life when you realize all of the sports and physical activities from your early years now cause a bit of pain. As we get older and continue to work, we all have that moment when we get out of bed and it does not feel so great! And, you have to start wondering how long you can continue working like you do today regardless of what career you may have.
I used to be a ballet, tap, modern, and jazz dancer for many years. So, I am no stranger of keeping fit. As a matter of fact, I have done all kinds of physical fitness before gyms were even fashionable. And, once the gyms started being ‘the place to go,’ I joined those as well and tried to keep up with all of the machines and classes offered.
Then one day in an aerobics class, my knee gave out, and I almost fell. But, I managed to stay up and limped out of class in pain.
I hobbled off to my regular doctor who referred me to a doctor to help me with my knee issue. After x-rays and an MRI, I found out I had degenerative meniscus (little tears in the knee lining of the joint). Arthritis was in both of my knees. He even said my knee caps were worse than the meniscus problem.
So, I started Physical Therapy. I was able to get back in the gym, but I was restricted on some things because of my knees. Unfortunately, I could no longer wear my high heels. I was so sad, because I had some fantastic black fuzzy heels with gold glitter roses I thought one day would come back into style.
I went to the gym, but I found I worked out more if I could actually get into a class. And soon, there was a class I loved called Zumba. Well, if you do not know what Zumba is, it is very quick Latin kind of dancing class.
I would come out of class sweating but with a big smile on my face. I never looked good doing the moves like the instructor, but thankfully, neither did anyone else!
I had to be careful, because the twisting of the Latin moves were not easy on my knees.
One day I was in a Zumba class and the guy teaching had us doing all kind of twists. Suddenly, my back was in a very painful mess. And, I had to fly to Orlando to attend a conference the next day. I was a presenter and could not back out now!
I did not have time to get to my doctor, but when I flew into Orlando and arrived at the hotel, I grabbed the last massage appointment I could get that day.
