Go me!

I've come to appreciate a good stretch. I have strict instructions from my physio to do my back exercises before my feet hit the floor in the morning, and 5 times during the day.

I even did them yesterday at work on the floor!

My back is improving. I no longer have painful back spasms, but I have an ache now and then and I am so scared of twinging my back again, my movements are very slow and deliberate.

The physio was excellent. Very knowledgeable and full of ideas and suggestions. He looked at my xrays and explained to me exactly what my back is doing.

Or not doing in my case.

Unfortunately I am stuck with a bad back and I now have a management plan which includes stretching, occasional pain relief, and a gym programme which I am super excited about.

I also have to become very friendly with this guy called Pilates. I'll be starting classes next week, after a one on one visit with the instructor this week.

Pilates is excellent for building core strength, something which I am lacking, and once I have that, my back will be somewhat protected.

I had another physio appointment today, and I have definately improved. I still can't touch my toes, and that is a real goal for me. I have nil flexibility and I would snap in half if I even tried to touch the floor!

Last week I was in so much pain, the thought of stripping off to my bra in front of the physio didn't even phase me. Along with my hairy legs, which were impossible to shave because I couldn't bend forward, my care factor was zero.

My physio looked at the xrays and said "see that dark colour, they are your muscles which are not working, and see that other colour, that is fat - no offence of course".

"None taken", I said.

He is very genuine and caring and brutal after todays deep tissue massage, which has left my back bruised, which we expected.

I'm allowed to stretch, and do pilates, and walk (but not uphill) and I can start a gym weights programme in a month or two. I'm really looking forward to getting back into exercise and moving this body again.

I've really not been focused on exercise this year after January's jogging #epicfail, and I do miss it.

Of course, I won't be Bikini Ready for summer but who the hell cares anyway.......


I've got boardshorts.