“Overcoming Your Biggest Obstacle Yet"
(written for BackToBasicTraining.org)
Strong. Resilient. Unstoppable.
There’s no greater honor than serving in the United States military and being recognized as a hero in the greatest country in the world.
Overwhelmed. Alone. Broken.
When the path to being a hero takes an unexpected turn, when serving your country means nearly giving your life, when you return from service in a different state – mentally or physically – than when you left, when overcoming obstacles and limitations is your new way of life, we are here.
As we’ve seen from this global pandemic, people handle trauma in a variety of different ways. Whether you’re feeling furious, dejected or simply uncertain, there’s no right or wrong way for you to experience what you’re going through. You are handling your own situation (TBI, PTSD, etc.) in your own way, and that’s all anyone can expect.
Here are three tips for overcoming your obstacles:
GET STRONG. ‘Come on now. I’m struggling to find the motivation to get out of bed in the morning and you’re going to tell me to get strong?’ Strength comes in many forms. Mental strength may be the first step for you. Discovering your “why” and digging deep to find the mental strength you once had might need to happen before you ever touch a dumbbell again. But there truly is no such thing as “can’t” and you get to set your new limitations. Think there’s an exercise you can’t do? Our team can find a modifier for you. Think your glory days are behind you? Maybe it’s time to redefine glory. Think the idea of getting started is too overwhelming? Even ten minutes of movement means you’re already lapping everyone on the couch.
CONNECT. You already know that going through a traumatic experience or tough times with others brings people together. Take that perspective on fitness and you’ll see why lifting and sweating alongside others is why studies show an overwhelming increase in results for people who work out in groups. Community is key. Whether it’s an accountability partner or a group that meets for class on a regular basis, you will go farther when you go together.
KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE. At this very moment, another battle buddy is struggling to find any sort of motivation. At this same moment, someone just like you is making the choice not to give up. Across this country, people are finding ways to be stronger than they were yesterday and to make today count. No matter where you are on this journey, and no matter which of the above you identify with today, the most important thing to know is that you’re not alone. Your journey is far from over.
This is not the part where we tell you to practice these three things and wish you well on your journey. Instead, this is the part where we encourage you to find your new mission and provide some guidance to get you there.
We like to keep it simple: Contact us and let us meet you right where you’re at on your journey. Sometimes that means introducing you to other veterans and sometimes it’s helping you get started with a fitness program customized for you.
Our (dual) mission is to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and safety, and to empower our veterans with disabilities – and first responders – through a synergistic approach involving adaptive fitness programs that help to motivate and encourage them to become part of a health-conscious and supportive community.
If you’re ready to rediscover the original version of you – the strong, resilient, unstoppable version – contact us today. Your stronger tomorrow is here.