Gin and Tonic!

A tonic traditionally is something taken to help make you feel better - the British started adding gin to cover up the bitter taste of the tonic...I don't really like gin, but if it's going to make me feel better, well, maybe I'll give it another go! There is an old recipe for joint pain that uses golden raisins and gin that I've heard of so many times I decided to try it, and guess what - it's actually working! No kidding - my husband too! Look the recipe up online and try it for yourself - if nothing else, it's a great way to start the day (heehee!). All this aside, you need to look at the reasons behind your pain. I've been encouraging you to pick up your exercise program - speed, intensity, duration - anything that will push you to the next level; this can result in some degree of pain, some of which is normal and expected. No pain, no gain, as they say. But mild pain, that which is in the 1-3 range on a scale of 10, goes away as you warm up; moderate pain may stay with you, but doesn't interfere with your ability to complete your workout. This might require you to take a few days off, but it's tolerable and you'll recover quickly. Severe pain, 7-10 on your pain scale, stays with you before, during and after you exercise. You need to back off until the pain is gone - do pilates, yoga or swim - things that don't put any physical stress on your body. This can be really frustrating; you've been successful in reaching your goals and it's part of your daily life. However, you want to love what you're doing, and you won't if you are constantly in pain - you can't perform at your peak, and you just get more stressed out, and risk real injury that will put you out for a long time. So, relax - go to a movie, work a crossword puzzle, have that gin and tonic (but not too much tonic or it ruins the taste of the raisins!!) Have a good weekend - Melissa