Returning from Injury - Control
The first, smallest decision you can make and act on is THE most valuable
Today I am extending the series on returning from injury.
Recap
So as a recap the five concepts to keep in mind, when you're returning to sport, hobby, job or regular life from any injury, physical, emotional, or mental, are Control, Consistency, Creativity, Commitment and Confidence
Today we are deep diving into Control…
Control
Control is an interesting concept, and a true dichotomy, because I am fully aware that the entire trajectory of my life can be altered in any one moment. I also am fully aware that at this moment, I can take steps to exercise some agency to determine the future of my life
Getting injured can be seen as the ultimate loss of control…and that’s why finding the smallest things where we have to make a decision therefore determining our next steps and exercising agency is the antidote for the tailspins we often find ourselves in when get injured
For example
I twist my ankle. I can be mad, scared, frustrated in the immediate moment, but the first opportunity I have to exercise some sort of control is to determine if I need to seek medical attention. If I do, then I take the next steps to see a medical professional, if I don’t then I still made a choice, AND I get to decide what to do next!
What’s the FIRST decision you can make and act on?
From a coaching perspective
Moving into a more corrective strength training setting, further down the road after any appropriate medical interventions, one of the easiest ways I do this with my clients is to offer 2 options, designed to yield similar outcomes
As a coach, offer 2 options, designed to yield similar results
For example, “We are doing aerobic endurance intervals today, do you want to jump on the bike or do you want to jump on the rower?” The bottom line is we are doing aerobic endurance intervals, and honestly, in most situations, the difference between a bike and rower is insignificant
As a caveat, not every aspect of every training session is going to be negotiable, BUT, in every training session I guarantee there are pieces and parts that are because I rely on principles and build frameworks/programs around them
Why is This Integral to my Practice?
I’ve been injured, I know what it’s like to feel like an unanchored buoy floating in the ocean, being taken wherever the currents and wind decide. I know what it feels like to be given just one small opportunity to determine my own fate and the momentum that one small opportunity can yield
Finally
Coaches, give your clients and athletes some agency over their training. Clients and athletes, advocate for yourself. If you find yourself with a coach who’s not open to modifying their program and can’t tell you why it has to be that way in words that are easily understandable, it might be time to find someone new.
If you find yourself working with someone who isn’t open to modifying your training AND can’t explain to you why modification isn’t appropriate in this instance, start looking for someone else
Resources
Nine Four Radio
Feel Strong Fitness Podcast