Getting the right support can be the difference between progress, manageable discomfort, and excruciating pain. Often, the support we need is staring us in the face or sitting quietly under our noses.
Last week, I experienced knee pain. Not the kind that stops you moving, but the kind that makes you think twice about sudden movements.
As a middle-aged man who values health, fitness, and wellbeing, I’ve learned the importance of recognising these signals rather than ignoring them.
If my body feels tight, I’ll prioritise mobility and stretching instead of forcing a hard workout.
If my lower joints aren’t feeling great, I’ll switch focus to upper-body work and allow recovery where it’s needed.
Sometimes, the smartest move is to pause altogether, rest, read, reset, and return stronger the next day or even the following week.
Working smarter, not harder.
A few days ago, while rummaging through a clothing drawer, I rediscovered a knee support band I’d completely forgotten about. It’s been a huge help during recovery and it reminded me that support can come from the most inconspicuous places.
That thought took me back to a sliding-doors moment while training for my first marathon in April 2019. Standing in a coffee queue, a casual conversation with a colleague led to a recommendation: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. That book stayed with me.
When I “hit the wall” during the race, the point endurance athletes reach when continuing feels impossible, I drew on the mindset it had helped build. I dug deep and crossed the finish line, completing 26.2 miles through the iconic streets of London.
Support shows up in many forms, when we’re open-minded and willing to accept it.
Sometimes it comes from a friend, family member, or colleague.
Sometimes it’s a nugget of wisdom shared by a stranger.
Sometimes it’s the guidance of a paid professional.
Sometimes… it’s waiting patiently at the back of a clothing drawer 🩳👀
What support has helped you most in your health, fitness, or wellbeing journey?
2 comments
I loved this article for several reasons, I’m currently building a small business and feel overwhelmed this week also my health goals are in the back of my mind…really all I need to do is talk to a trusted friend (& Life Coach), to get my thoughts and feelings out, this will let me see where maybe my direction needs to change…secondly I know deep down, by creating a weekly plan, my week can be much easier.
There you go, everything I need is at hand.
A friend at work recommended that I should start supplementing in cycles with tumeric shots. Best thing I ever did. Sorted out all my niggles in my joints and feel great when I’m working out. The only thing I’d add is make sure they are good quality and not the ones that have been watered down with apple juice.