
Have you ever felt your body isn’t keeping up with your favorite workouts? Movement must evolve as we recover from injury, or are getting started with a movement routine; finding the proper exercise can make all the difference.
In this episode, we dive into the journey of adapting fitness routines to support long-term health. Our guest, Melanie Lindell, shares what she’s learned about movement—specifically how swimming can be a powerful, whole body workout that strengthens the body and provides a multitude of wellness benefits while protecting the joints. She discusses the importance of embracing new forms of exercise, trusting expert guidance, and allowing movement to evolve. Today’s inspiring podcast is just a preview—be sure to listen or watch the full episode exclusively on the BariNation Community to discover how minor adjustments can lead to lifelong wellness.
IN THIS EPISODE:
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(01:29) Melanie’s story of pivoting her movement and fitness journey
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(05:11) Looking at swimming through a different lens and the safety it provides
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(08:57) Accepting current body image and trying something new
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(10:25) Choosing swimming as a lifelong fitness routine

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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As the body changes, certain forms of exercise may no longer be sustainable. Exploring alternatives like swimming can provide long-term support for joint health and overall mobility.
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Swimming offers a full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and minimizes the risk of injury. Its accessibility across all fitness levels makes it a valuable form of movement.
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Embracing new fitness routines requires a willingness to adapt and learn. Investing in proper techniques and trusting expert guidance can lead to long-term success and enjoyment in physical activity.
RESOURCES:
Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment. https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community
Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast
GUEST RESOURCES:
Website: https://lindellcounseling.com/
https://barination.mn.co
Melanie Lindell, LMHC is a professional counselor who has spent the last decade working in the area of trauma and abuse. It is her deepest belief that we were all created for relationship, that we want to be known and loved and have the ability to freely know and love others. Her passion is helping clients work through maladaptive survival strategies/patterns learned and replacing them with adaptive strategies that help them thrive. She is a bariatric patient, having had Roux-en-Y on August 23, 2019. Her recovery process was atypical and led to additional surgeries, several complications and a long season on a feeding tube and learning to eat again. She serves in BariNation as a Support Group and Meetup Leader, tapping into her expertise and patienthood to guide members through the ups and downs of bariatric life.
ABOUT:
If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty.
About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need and when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.