My journey to wellness has been a long one. PRMG LIFE often holds wellness challenges that has helped me recovered from my surgeries.
In the Fall of 2016, I had my first of three major orthopedic surgeries. A torn rotator cuff, this was followed by a lower back surgery in on L5 and S1 in Fall of 2018 and then a pelvic fusion in December of 2020.
Before all of this occurred, I was a marathon runner and coached others to run at the YMCA where I live. In the time between surgeries, I was constantly rehabbing my body and inspiring others as a wellness coach at the YMCA. Due to my back issues, over time, I lost a lot of muscles mass and mobility. The weak muscles caused my pain to be worse since my body was not functioning properly. This past Fall I realized I was closing in on 2 years since my last surgery and my physical condition was not where it should have been.
(Pictured are Buddy and Dozer…aka stop that and get back here aka lover boy and sweet pea 🤣😂)
I took on “Walktober” as a motivation event to get myself better. I have worked for my local YMCA since 2008 in many different roles and found that teaching youth track is a fun challenge. I was having a lot of trouble keeping up with the kids last summer. I had to often sit down in a camp chair. As I began to walk last Fall, I realized that is what I needed. I ended up placing in the top 3 in the Walktober Step Challenge and reignited my ability to withstand exercise. Since then I have been able to workout, lose weight and most of all keep up with the kids I teach!
Me at a track meet this past weekend for the YMCA, all smiles because no pain!
My word of advice is just get started, and no matter how bad you do not want to do it, force yourself. I have never heard of anyone regretting good exercise. Often times we have a mental block and give ourselves excuses. 30 days makes a habit!
Samantha Schurr
Delegated Correspondent Account Manager Supervisor