Exercise for Grief

We all go through grief at some point in our life. It’s inevitable that we will mourn the loss of a friend, family member or even beloved pet. I recently lost my constant companion of 12 years, and studio assistant Coco the fitness pug. Even though she was (only) a dog and it was not unexpected, it hit me hard.

Over two decades of teaching fitness, I have helped many of my clients through difficult times with movement. And recently I’ve been able to apply the principles to my own self. Here’s an overview of what might help. Please remember that everyone is different, and express their grief in different ways.

The first thing to realise is that a loss is a body shock, whether sudden or a gradual demise. Treat yourself as if you’re in shock - keep warm, eat well and hydrate more. Your immune system will be depleted, so you may even come down with a nasty cold (I did). There is no rule of thumb of how long this period may last. However gentle walks in a greenspace with a trusted friend can help the grieving process.

When you feel able, add in simple stretches. Floor stretches (such as those in Yin or hatha yoga) can help open up the chest, where we hold a lot of emotion. You may prefer to do these at home, rather than in a class. Be gentle, but try to move your body in different directions. Stretching upwards and looking at the sky and horizon can boost your mood, even if you’re feeling low.

Some people feel the benefit of running or cycling, but please be gentle on yourself, it may take awhile to return to previous fitness levels. The support of friends, family or qualified professionals is also invaluable.

We all dread losing the ones we love, but by being mindful through our loss, we can actually gain strength. A good weights workout can actually do wonders, it’s a good thing to feel strong, even when facing the world can be difficult.

Coco the fitness pug will always be loved and remembered…