This past weekend marked the third annual “Play Off” road hockey tournament, held in the heart of Downtown London — picture the Gus Macker basketball tournament and replace it with hockey sticks — and anyone interested in road hockey should seriously consider this event next year as it appeared to be a lot of fun. I was fortunate enough to be the only fan in attendance to support the “Dysfunctional Idiots” which consisted of several of my long time friends. A glorious Dysfunctional run was brutally ended when star player, Killer Keith, broke his foot after scoring a marvelous goal. The Idiots were en route to capturing their first “Play Off” tournament cup, but unfortunately, fate had a different point of view.

After downing many cocktails and celebrating what was supposed to be an inevitable championship, reality began to set in and it set in hard. Killer Keith had a broken foot and realized his life was over. No longer can he score, no longer can he dance, no longer can he run and worst of all, no longer can he continue his workout regime and maintain the weight loss results he worked so hard for. Or can he?

Yes, he can. And so can any of you who get attacked by the injury bug. Let's take a good look at Killer Keith's situation and use it as an example case study. Killer has a fractured bone in his foot but is able to walk around comfortably like a semi-gimp. First thing's first; Killer should have asked his doctor what his exercise limitations would be for the duration of the healing process. Killer could have described his current exercise routine and the doctor would have given him alternative recommendations according to the severity of his foot injury.

Light swimming could be a suitable alternative. Getting in and out of the pool would require extra caution, but the light feel of the water, and the brisk laps would make for a manageable workout. Who knows, Killer could even discover that swimming is something he enjoys and wants to continue perusing.

A broken foot isn't going to allow anyone to be doing leg presses or any other kind of extensive leg movements. But that doesn't mean cardio exercise and upper weight resistance training are out of the question. A simple upper body weight training circuit could easily be implemented. This would involve a routine of several upper body exercises at a fairly fast pace with minimal rest in between sets. This comfortably fast pace would help keep the heart rate at a higher steady pace which would help shed some extra calories. Certain cardio machines such as a treadmill or cross-trainer would not be a practical choice for a foot injury for obvious reasons, but depending on the severity of the foot injury, cardio exercise could involve a seated stationary bike where there is minimal to zero impact on the feet and legs. We can't forget the most important component that helped Killer Keith achieve his weight loss results in the first place — his diet!

Back to basics, back to basics, back to basics! Diet is always the most important factor in any training situation, whether it's to achieve weight loss or weight gain. Sometimes when things go wrong, you have to think back to what made them work in the first place. Let's take a relationship that's on the rocks for example. The first three months of any relationship are usually the “honeymoon” phase. Eventually things aren't so randy anymore and the guy starts to wonder what the hell he's doing wrong. Usually it's the result of the guy turning into a wuss bag and losing that initial attraction he got from the girl. What's a guy to do? Back to basics! The guy needs to take a step back and start doing those things again that got the girl initially attracted to him in the first place. Voila! He's back in the driver's seat and everything is perfect! Treat your diet in the very same manner. Once you notice that you're starting to slip, get right back to what got you there in the first place. Simple isn't it?

So there you have it; a broken foot scenario and several alternative ways of getting in some physical activity during the healing process. Of course, there are different injuries that require different precautions and alternatives. That is why you should always listen to your doctor, listen to credited professionals, and listen to what your body is telling you. If it hurts, don't do it.

Just remember, unless you've been put into a coma, there's always a way. Some people say all things happen for a reason. Some injuries help people find new hobbies of interest, or new forms of physical activity that they would have never considered otherwise. Who knows, maybe your next injury will be a blessing in disguise.

Wondering the best supplements and vitamins? Need some advice on protein and carbs? Email Rick at rmelo@fanshawec.ca