DEAR JIM: I recently had my knee replaced, and it feels so much better after the surgery. After three days of intensive physical therapy, they let me come home on my own, and the doctor says I should be back to normal in the next few weeks.
Naturally, the first thing I did when I got home was go to the gym to cancel my membership. I couldn’t believe it when the manager – a young man I used to respect very much - actually tried to convince me that I should continue exercising even while my knee is still healing. He even offered to have a personal trainer work with me.
I reminded him that I am 70 years old and that I couldn’t possibly exercise until my knee has completely healed. I couldn’t believe that he could possibly think that I could still exercise under the circumstances. I told him that I would come back to join again later after I got better, but he kept telling me that there were other exercises that I could be doing while recuperating from my knee surgery.
Finally, I just got up and walked out. I’ve been a member for several years, and I only pay about $15 a month, but I could never go back now after being treated so inconsiderately. Do you think I did the right thing? FUMING IN FRESNO
DEAR FUMING: Have you even seen the movie “Forrest Gump” where the main character, a mentally-challenged young man played by Tom Hanks, discusses his relative level of intelligence with a stranger while waiting for a bus and says, “Stupid is as stupid does?”
Why in the world would you even think about canceling your membership just because you had your knee replaced anyway? Do you honestly think that just because one part of your body is injured or ailing that the rest of your body doesn’t still need exercise? That’s like saying if you bite your tongue you’re not going to eat until your tongue heals. Hmmm.
You might have to change or modify your workout to work around the injured area, but there is no reason whatsoever to stop exercising altogether. A good personal trainer can show you the right exercises to do while your knee is healing. Moreover, after your knee has completely healed, you will need to start doing specific exercises to strengthen it too. What do you think all that physical therapy was anyway? Exercise, of course.
I know your doctor didn’t send you home to sit around on your duff until you need another knee replacement either. You are really just looking for an excuse not to exercise, my dear, and it’s as plain as the nose on your face, so forget it because I’m not buying it.
Sorry to be so blunt, but I think you were very stupid to cancel your membership, and if I were you, I would walk (yes, walk) right back down to that gym, apologize to the manager, and ask him if he will reinstate your membership and ask him if the opportunity to work with a personal trainer is still good. And by the way, what does 70 years old have to do with not exercising? Don’t even go there. And don't hit me with your cane either, Tiger! Lol!
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Jim Evans is a 45-year veteran of the health and fitness industry and internationally recognized fitness consultant. He is also a member of the Visionary Board for the International Council on Active Aging. Questions about health and fitness can be directed to Jim at pacsd@aol.com.
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