Still goofing around pre-op – little did I know what pain was in store!!
Videos of post surgery include: Day 1(I says day 2, but I’m confused!), Day 3, Day 4, Day 6, Day 10 & 2 weeks post op.
My Bionic Hip!
What I have learnt from surgery to recovery (11 weeks post Total Hip Replacement).
As a Physical trainer & therapist I am ‘conditioned’ to believe movement is medicine. So having decided to go through with total hip replacement at the end of November last year (2025), I continued to:
- strengthen the surrounding muscles.
- work on mobility daily.
- adjust my teaching & programming.
- prepare myself for surgery for the best possible outcome.
It was the identity crisis.
How could I coach people through strength and resilience when I was modifying every workout? When I couldn’t demo movements without discomfort? When I avoided certain exercises altogether? I felt frustrated, embarrassed. Even a little betrayed by my own body as I want to practice what I preach!
Surgery & Recovery: The Trainer Perspective
Recovery is a journey that must be taken steadily, which in my case, I don’t find easy as I want to be strong & dynamic asap!! At 6 weeks post surgery, both my surgeon and physio told me I am going amazingly well, but to slow down and (as I constantly tell my clients), ‘listen to your body!’
So, it’s been a bit humbling and we are all coming at this from our own perspective. I love the fact that I can go ‘stomping’ again in valleys of Stroud with no pain and returning to swimming has been great, feeling little loss in power. Cycling too has been great therapy – starting on the static indoor bike to get back on the road.
My big goal however is getting back in the surf, which requires much more dynamism – explosive movement, rotation, compression etc.
What I Understand Now That I Didn’t Before
I now understand my clients in a deeper way – I have lived experience of rehabilitating the body post surgery. I understand the:
* Fear of surgery
* Frustration with limitations
* The emotional toll of chronic pain
* The vulnerability of starting over
If You’re Considering Hip Replacement
Here’s what I want you to know:
* Arthritis isn’t a reflection of your effort.
* Surgery isn’t weakness.
* You can come back strong—sometimes stronger than before.
* Your journey will be personal, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
As someone who has stood on both sides—trainer and patient—I can say this:
Movement is still medicine. Sometimes, it just requires a new joint
Unlocking the Benefits of Strength Training: Embracing Functional Fitness with Kettlebells
Strength training is an essential component of a well-rounded fitness routine, offering a multitude of benefits for individuals of all ages. While often overlooked in favour of cardiovascular exercise, incorporating strength training into your regimen can lead to improved overall health, increased muscle mass, and enhanced quality of life. Today, I want to explore the advantages of strength training and introduce an effective and engaging way to incorporate it into your fitness journey: kettlebell training.
Research has consistently demonstrated the positive impact of strength training on various aspects of health. Regular resistance exercise has been shown to improve bone density, reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and enhance mental well-being by reducing stress and boosting self-confidence (Westcott, 2012). Additionally, maintaining muscle mass through strength training becomes increasingly important as we age, as it helps preserve functional independence and reduces the risk of falls (Avers & Brown, 2009).
One of the most effective and versatile tools for strength training is the kettlebell. Kettlebells are compact weights that allow for a wide range of exercises targeting multiple muscle groups simultaneously. What sets kettlebell training apart is its emphasis on functional fitness – exercises that mimic real-life movements and engage the entire body. By training with kettlebells, you can improve your strength, stability, and coordination, making everyday activities easier and more efficient.
Kettlebell exercises often involve compound movements, such as swings, cleans, presses, and squats, which engage multiple joints and muscle groups at once. This not only provides a time-efficient workout but also helps develop core strength, balance, and overall functional fitness. Moreover, the dynamic nature of kettlebell exercises offers a cardiovascular benefit, making it a well-rounded training tool.
One of the great aspects of kettlebell training is its adaptability to different fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, kettlebell exercises can be modified to suit your needs and goals. By adjusting the weight, repetitions, and complexity of the movements, you can progress at your own pace and continuously challenge yourself as you grow stronger.
If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of kettlebell training firsthand, I am excited to announce that I will be starting a new kettlebell class, Tuesday mornings at The Open House (by Star Anise). This class will provide a supportive and engaging environment for individuals of all fitness levels to learn proper techniques, build strength, and improve their overall functional fitness. I will guide you through a variety of exercises, offering modifications and progressions to ensure that you get the most out of each session.
Incorporating strength training into your fitness routine is a powerful way to improve your health, boost your confidence, and enhance your overall quality of life. By embracing the versatility and effectiveness of kettlebell training, you can unlock the many benefits of functional fitness and discover the transformative power of strength training for yourself.
References: Avers, D., & Brown, M. (2009). White paper: Strength training for the older adult. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 32(4), 148-152.
Westcott, W. L. (2012). Resistance training is medicine: effects of strength training on health. Current sports medicine reports, 11(4), 209-216