For the past four months, I have tackled a challenge that, if I allowed it, could have kept me down for the better part of a year – a torn Achilles tendon.

And by down, I mean mentally and emotionally as well as physically.

I haven’t suffered an injury this serious in many, many years – all the way back to when I was 9 years old and fractured the fibula and tibia in my right leg falling out of a tree (yes, falling out of a tree…that is a long story for another day).

It’s been a long road, but not as slow as I was originally told it would be after receiving the step-by-step protocol for rehabilitation. But these protocols are geared toward the “average” person. And as much as I don’t consider myself more special than anyone else, I don’t consider myself average either.

I’m physically fit. I stay active. I take care of myself inside and out. I have put myself in position to stay ahead of the timetable outlined for me.

I’ve progressed from a bulky, oversized boot that extended from the toes on my right foot to the base of my right knee, to a much less bulky and smaller compression sleeve that runs from the middle of my foot to the base of my calf.

And most recently, to nothing at all while walking around the house and at the beach (just don’t tell my orthopedist, let’s keep this between us).

I ride the bike, and not simply a leisurely stroll anymore, and walk on the treadmill with a purpose – to keep challenging my leg in a safe, effective manner.

I’m not ready to run a 5K, tackle heavy barbell squats, or head back to the softball field to play the sport where I suffered the injury in late April. But I’m progressing steadily as well as surely, and my health and well-being is a key reason why.

We often connect being physical fit with being healthy, but being physical fit also helps us recover from injury and illness. Doing the hard work entailed to enjoy a healthy lifestyle gets us back to leading that same healthy lifestyle sooner.

I can imagine where I would be in my recovery from this injury if I was my old self, meaning the man who weighed nearly 250 pounds 14 years ago and had failed miserably time after time to shed the weight and develop a healthier lifestyle.

Along the way, I discovered what’s important in my life, and the healthy habits I need to maintain a healthy lifestyle for me and my family are on that list. That’s especially true when an injury leaves me at less than 100%. Because I can either invest in my wellness or my illness. I have that choice. We all do.

If you would like to learn more about making health and fitness a priority or are ready to truly take your health and wellness to a higher level…contact me at 814.504.7774 or by email at [email protected]. You can also find more information on my website at fernandesfit.com.