As some of you may know, I recently suffered a serious health scare. For months I ignored what turned out to be congestive heart failure. Since I had had bronchitis and pneumonia in the past, I assumed that my chronic cough and breathing difficulties were lingering weakness due to those past ailments. I also thought that my rigorous diet and exercise regimen as I prepared for an up-coming bodybuilding contest.
The reason I'm sharing this is that despite my 20 years of diet and exercise experience, and meticulous body awareness, I allowed drive to compete and be my best get in the way of what my body was telling me. This was a mistake that almost proved fatal.
There are many reasons why it is easy to neglet an illness or injury. It may be financial reasons related to health insurance. It could be not wanting to interfere with an on-going athletic or fitness goal, by rationalizing that you can't free up the time to seek medical assistance or treatment. Simply assuming it can wait or isn't that serious can be a huge mistake. Unfortunately as I found out, the reprecussions can be serious and life changing.
The bottom line is that if you feel an ache, pain, or symptom that lingers, then it is time to get it checked out by a medical professional. It is far better to find out that your concerns were unfounded, than to find out you waited too long. My experience hasn't diminished my commitment to my fitness goals, but it has tempered it caution and a renewed respect and appreciation for my limitations and health.
By Larry Schweer
Certified Personal Trainer
National Level Competative Bodybuilder
Email Larry Questions at: Guru@Paramount-Supplements.com
The reason I'm sharing this is that despite my 20 years of diet and exercise experience, and meticulous body awareness, I allowed drive to compete and be my best get in the way of what my body was telling me. This was a mistake that almost proved fatal.
There are many reasons why it is easy to neglet an illness or injury. It may be financial reasons related to health insurance. It could be not wanting to interfere with an on-going athletic or fitness goal, by rationalizing that you can't free up the time to seek medical assistance or treatment. Simply assuming it can wait or isn't that serious can be a huge mistake. Unfortunately as I found out, the reprecussions can be serious and life changing.
The bottom line is that if you feel an ache, pain, or symptom that lingers, then it is time to get it checked out by a medical professional. It is far better to find out that your concerns were unfounded, than to find out you waited too long. My experience hasn't diminished my commitment to my fitness goals, but it has tempered it caution and a renewed respect and appreciation for my limitations and health.
By Larry Schweer
Certified Personal Trainer
National Level Competative Bodybuilder
Email Larry Questions at: Guru@Paramount-Supplements.com
