BodyBuilderMom
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POWERED BY EXTOL SPORTS , LAC & WHAS 11
By Angie Fenton
Stop Sitting on the Sideline
Forget your goals for a moment : Getting physically fit can be fun .
Last month , I reported that I ’ m now facing a little hiccup in my quest to compete in a bodybuilding contest because of what ’ s informally called “ mommy thumb ” but is technically known as De Quervain Syndrome .
My left hand has lost strength and mobility , and I ’ m experiencing some serious issues with wrist pain because of holding my now rather large 19-month-old daughter and have for the past year . Add making a living spent mostly typing on a computer , iPad or my phone , and I ’ ve got an issue that needs dealing with now .
After my third trip to Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center , I was given a brace that immobilizes my thumb to wear around the clock except when showering . That has put my bodybuilding quest on hiatus for a few more weeks , but I ’ m grateful . It could be so much worse .
In the meantime , my coach , Ryan Schrink of Schrink Personal Training , continues to provide motivation and encouragement , as do many friends ( and even complete strangers on occasion ), and I ’ m now focused on eating right , upping my cardio and increasing physical activity with my family .
As an older mom ( I ’ m 42 ) of a toddler , it ’ s important to me that Olive sees fitness as fun . That ’ s why I signed her up for a six-week session of soccer at Mockingbird Valley in Louisville . One day a week , my little one dons her indoor soccer shoes and shin guards and spends 45 minutes running around the field .
At least that ’ s what she ’ s supposed to be doing .
Some sessions are better than others , and she ’ ll use her feet to propel the ball instead of hugging it to her chest . Depending on her mood ( again , she ’ s not quite 2 ), some of those moments are spent pressing her face against the glass in tears as she searches for her parents in the stands or on her back in a full-on toddler tantrum .
After posting photos of Olive “ playing ” soccer on Facebook , a well-meaning friend implored me not to force my daughter into organized sports at such an early age . While I had to swallow back my initial knee-jerk reaction – can ’ t we all stop judging each other for a moment ? – the rational me stopped to explain .
One , there is nothing organized about a toddlerfilled session of any sport . The point , at least for me , is to impart physical fitness as a fun way to socialize and learn ( eventually ) to follow the rules .
Two , despite my best efforts , my tot already knows how to swipe and scroll on a smart phone . I ’ m hopeful participation in athletics – should she choose that when the time comes for her to make choices for herself – will teach her to look up and outward instead of down and at a phone , like so many of us do now .
Three , I want my child to understand the importance of hard work , failure and commitment . These lessons will bode well in many future aspects of life .
Lastly , when she looks at me , I pray my daughter will understand my quest to get physically fit is the only thing I can do to ensure I ’ m alive and well for as long as possible . Nothing is promised . There are no guarantees . But , I ’ m going to do everything I can to wake up prepared to enjoy and appreciate each day for Olive and myself .
Sure beats sitting on the sideline .
SPORTS
42 EXTOL SPORTS / SEPTEMBER 2017