Hey there, Punch Love family! Today, I want to share a personal story that underscores the power of perseverance and the importance of rehab in our fitness journeys. It's a tale of overcoming an unexpected hurdle and how integrating rehab into your regular workout can not only aid recovery but also bring surprising benefits. So, if you're facing a physical challenge or rehabbing from an injury, this story is especially for you. Let it be a reminder that every setback is an opportunity for an incredible comeback, and we at Punch Love are here to support you every step of the way!

It was just another normal Saturday, filled with the thrill of jumping horses, until an unexpected fall led to my worst injury to date - a completely ruptured ACL. This injury threw a wrench into my active lifestyle, rendering me unable to ride or work out as usual. However, my journey through recovery brought invaluable lessons, particularly about the significance of rehab exercises.

Initially, I mistook my injury for a simple strain, but an MRI revealed the harsh reality. My ACL was completely ruptured, a critical ligament that provides stability to the knee. This meant no riding, no intense workouts - a drastic change for someone like me, who lives and breathes fitness. But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. This injury allowed me to continue teaching at Punch Love, which became a sanctuary for my mental well-being during this challenging time.

My rehab journey began with a sense of devastation and reluctance. Simple isometric exercises and light strength training marked the early stages of my rehab. However, as I progressed, I started to notice improvements. My knee, once as weak as water, began to regain stability. This breakthrough was a turning point, igniting a fire within me to stick to my rehab routine religiously.

Remarkably, my consistent strength training paid off. The surgeon confirmed that I could avoid surgery, which felt like a victory sweeter than chocolate. My focus then shifted to getting back to riding, gradually increasing exercise intensity and introducing new activities like stationary bike riding.

The journey wasn’t smooth sailing; there were days of soreness and uncertainty. But the more I rode and trained, the more confident and comfortable I became in my knee's strength and stability. And then, three months post-accident, I made a triumphant return to competition, finishing an astounding 5th!

This experience taught me a crucial lesson: the importance of sticking to your rehab plan, even when progress seems slow. Trust the process and keep showing up for yourself, because that dedication is what transforms setbacks into remarkable comebacks.

For Punch Love members, I want to encourage you to bring your rehab exercises into your workouts. Don't let an injury sideline your fitness journey. Instead, use it as an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient. Remember, we're in this together, and our team is here to support you every step of the way. So, let's turn our setbacks into comebacks and show the world what we're made of! xx Much love, Coach Liz