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 In my experience, while growing up and well into adulthood, fitness/intentional exercise was something you do if you are involved in team sports or for short term, aka join a running group to do a 10k race, go to water aerobics, go for walks etc.  All of that is great and we should feel good about doing those things and I recommend them !

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However,  none of that really was life changing as far as my overall ability to move well, feel and BE stronger, or empower me for my physical independence as I grow older.

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I originally got into serious fitness only for a short term goal ( enforcement abilities testing) in 2015. In 2016 I had a major injury at work and was out of commission for 7 months. I rehabbed after that and  then began fully exercising again, but with a new outlook.

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In 2019, I was exercising regularly combining running with high intensity interval training and bodyweight, but still no weight lifting other than small weights. During this time I ended up in extreme pain, brushed it off as muscle /groin pulls, tried to hide it, went to work and suffered to the point I had to get medical help.

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In March 2020, at the beginning of COVID, I was referred  to 2 surgeons due to x ray results and discovered I had little to no cartilage on my left hip joint. I was given the option of surgery.

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I declined and opted for non-surgical recovery and maintenance, which meant a focus on total body muscle building & targeting glutes and all the muscles around the hip. 

One of the surgeons heartily encouraged me on my decision based on what I wanted to do instead, and commented that it is people like me that would put him out of business.

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 I embarked on what is now my life long fitness routine; heavy strength training.

This accounts for 85 - 100 % of all training I do (up to 15% is cardiovascular & mobility training).  Shortly after, I decided to take it further and I began the required fitness theory courses  and went on to complete certifications throughout 2021 & 2022. 

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I was fortunate during this time of social distancing and gym closures to be offered shadowing and opportunities from the Origin Retirement Community at Longwood Nanaimo from the Life Enrichment Manager (in Aqua fitness, Senior Fitness) in multiple modalities,  and Nanaimo's well loved and long running Jumpstart Outdoor Fitness & Bootcamps as a Group Fitness Instructor.

 

During this time I kept my main job of security having switched security companies in 2018 and then being stationed downtown Nanaimo at Port Place and Medical Arts Urgent Care, where I currently continue to work part time

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As for today, still no hip surgery, no painkillers, injections, almost pain free, but have flareups. I do walk with a limp at times now as my left leg appears (and is ) much shorter than the other due to the joints compacting.

I now must use several shoe inserts to avoid causing other issues that come from having one short leg.

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Regardless of having osteoarthritis or other issues, I choose focused strength training.  I base my personal workouts on the "Big 5"(with variations and substitutions): the squat, deadlift, bench press, shoulder press and pullup. I incorporate plyometrics; this does not necessarily mean high box jumps etc. This can be skipping, hops, squat jumps... anything that applies force.

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Long story short; in my uneducated opinion, strength training is proactive and reactive medicine for the body. This practice has literally saved me. I am stronger now, in my 50's, then I ever was.  

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Being an over 50 female with reduced estrogen (although Im taking HRT) I am at risk of serious health issues if I do not do what is within MY POWER to minimize the serious effects (brain, bone & heart) of estrogen loss. 

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I'm a geek about this. I love learning, seeking out science based data and gaining knowledge from professionals with the same mind set.

I am here to share this love of intentional exercise with others.

I do this acknowledging that we are not all the same and some things can't be helped.

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We are NEVER too old and it's NEVER too late to CHOOSE to improve an aspect of our life - if we are able.

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My statements/opinions are just that and are based on my experience as well as anecdotal evidence. I'm not giving medical or other professional advice. Always  check with a licensed health professional regarding any issue you may have and seek your own personal/medical advice.