Fall of 2022, Marnie was struggling to walk. After 3 back surgeries, a knee replacement and eye surgery within the last 5 years, Marnie had not recovered fully from any of the physical set backs, and was finding the cumulative damage to her body made everything difficult. Stairs were out of the question, breathing had become shallow and walking was so painful, she ordered groceries delivered and everything else online.
As a long-time devoted massage client, Marnie had continued to get her regular monthly massages as often as possible thru the health problems. Gentle massage allowed her to relax, kept her circulation moving, kept her limber; but she hadn't fully rehabilitated from any of the surgeries, and had lost her confidence walking and moving. As so often happens, as humans we often don't change until staying put is too painful.
With her limiting condition making general life tasks so difficult, Marnie booked a one-on-one Aqua Yoga session. Marnie was so motivated to get out of pain and learn new skills, she even brought a tripod to her first appointment to record the session for later use.
As with all clients new to working in the pool, we started slowly and gently focusing on the foundation techniques of building core strength, increasing lung capacity, improving balance and increasing range of motion in every Aqua Yoga movement. After her first session, Marnie reported back that she felt better balanced. With a quick result under her belt, Marnie committed to putting in the work. She scheduled a one-on-one session monthly; plus she practiced 2-3 times per week between sessions in her community pool.
As the weeks turned into months turned into seasons; Marnie's strength, balance, and flexibility have slowly, but consistently, returned. Walking up stairs is no longer a problem. Marnie is now shopping for her own groceries, happy to be selecting her own produce again. Her posture is markedly improved, and she's walking with the confidence of someone who has worked hard to regain her skills. She reports breathing and sleeping better; as well as thinking more clearly since getting rid of the low-level constant worry that comes with a pending disability.
Now, 9 months after starting Aqua Yoga, Marnie has just booked a trip to Iceland in October. She plans to hike up mountains, walk all around the capital and swim in the famous Blue Lagoon. She has done the hard work with her new Aqua Yoga skills and is living the benefit.
Aqua Yoga can be a transformational tool for anyone needing to rehab from an injury, surgery or illness. Moving exercise into the water allows movements that couldn't be attempted on land to be practiced safely. Plus Aqua Yoga is just plain fun! It's a lot easier to do the exercises when you're enjoying yourself.
To get started on your own Aqua Yoga journey, search for local Aqua Yoga classes at your Rec Center, Gym or Community Pool; or book a one-on-one session with a Certified Aqua Yoga Teacher. Then start to think about where you'd like to travel next!
Suzanne Andrew is a Florida Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Aquatic Yoga Teacher, Certified Thai Yoga Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Wellness Coach. (FLMA#51338)
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