The Surprise Relief For My Persistent Pain

“Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.” - Joseph Campbell

During my 28 years in the fitness industry, my body has undergone significant demands. I was a competitive bodybuilder for over two decades and I've been a spin instructor for 12 years.

I train hard. I ride fast. Without making excuses, I know that I often haven’t taken the time to provide proper self-care for my body.

As a result of my aggressive exercise regimen, I have had a serious left hip impingement for the last five years. I am a corrective exercise specialist. I have employed many techniques to address my pain and discomfort.

I would apply a post-surgery hip replacement regime to my workouts weekly to open up the external and internal rotation of my hip. This process would allow for me to move freely through my workouts, as well as my spin classes. I have also used a range of foam-rolling devices on the target area.

Nothing I tried would provide proper relief, however.

My wife, a massage therapist, would administer massage techniques along with Thai stretching which would provide temporary relief. Inevitably and quickly, the pain returned.

I continued to feel a strong sensation of tightness due to over-activity and had chalked it up to the demand being placed on my body.

I was impressed when I watched some Core Flyte videos on Facebook and Instagram. The product appeared to be one that virtually anyone could use. The fact that Core Flytes work in a transverse plane of motion was super-appealing to me as this was the plane I would mostly try to accomplish to repair my hip challenges. I took the liberty of reposting the videos onto my pages of both social media platforms as I wanted to share the amazing display of exercise with my clients, colleagues, and friends.

A couple of months ago, I saw the Core Flyte Master Instructor application postings on social media. I had been thinking for a while, “How long am I going to count reps and ride bikes for a living?” I've been a Master Trainer for a long time and the thought of leaving the weight floor and spin bike frightens me, but I thought the end might be near as I was having so many complications with my hip. I thought by applying for another instructing avenue I might be able to age gracefully through the end of my career.

After applying to become one of the first Core Flyte Master Instructors, I received an email requesting an interview. I was shocked and excited! I had my interview, and was invited to join the Flyte Team! My excitement was through the roof! However, I was a little hesitant coming to the instruction weekend with my injury. I knew that I had to not only sit for long periods of time, but also perform various exercises using Core Flytes.

At the end of the first day of our workshop, we performed a challenging series of Core Flyte exercises in an intense workout. It was demanding for all nine of us, but it also moved my body in ways that were new to me. As I was sitting during a discussion on the second day of our workshop, it suddenly occurred to me that my hip was pain-free. Then, before I performed the Core Flyte plank pike for my chosen exercise, I thought, "Oh boy, this is going to be good...I can't ever get any height with this exercise!" To my astonishment, I was able to perform the exercise with a considerably larger range of motion.

I returned to my club this week and I noticed that I was pain-free a couple of hours after my spin class and training clients. The worst for me is sitting for long periods of time, then spinning, then standing still. The aching I would have is unbearable at times. The Core Flyte exercises help alleviate my pain… I believe for good.

I know so many people who have hip problems such as mine from the demand they place on themselves physically. I cannot wait to share my experience with them. I'm very grateful to be able to have my hip feel normal again.

A valuable component in my training life as a Master Trainer or Master Instructor is to be a "product of a product." The fact that I can speak with heartfelt conviction and personal experience with such an amazing piece of equipment is remarkable.

Before going to the Core Flyte Master Instructor workshop, I was planning to taper down my activities in my career, but now I feel as if I've been given the greatest gift: additional years added to do the things I love in the world of health and fitness.

We’d love to hear from you. What do you think about my experience? Comment below or on our Facebook page or tweet us at @flytefitness.

Be Flyte Fit,

Rachel Stinar
Core Flyte Master Instructor, Flyte Fitness

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