Hi Reader,

You know that many people start the year energized and ready to go with a brand-new exercise routine. I want to tell you how I entered 2026 unable to do the one I had already established.

What slowed me down was surgery.

On December 16th, 2025, I chose to have my previous breast reconstruction undone. Eight years after reconstructive surgery, I was dealing with encapsulated breast implants and significant scar tissue. I decided to address these problems with the complete removal of my breasts—again.

The surgery lasted a little over two hours, and I went home with a tight corset-like bra, a couple of drains, and very clear instructions: no exercise and no elevating my heart rate for at least 2 weeks.

To be clear, I understand that my breast surgeries have kept me from having advanced breast cancer. I’ve been diagnosed twice, and choosing double mastectomies—and reconstruction—was my decision. Choosing this most recent surgery, which I hope will be my last, was also my decision.

But wow, I am scarred up! Both front and back and around again.

When I look at all of the scars, it gives me pause. I’m deeply grateful my cancers were caught early, and I don’t regret the radiation, lumpectomies, and mastectomies. But when I haven’t been outside to exercise in weeks, the days feel long and dark. And when everyone else seems to be charging into a new year with big fitness plans, I get discouraged.

Exercise is my outlet. My mental health break.

For those of us who depend on movement—or who have worked hard to establish a consistent routine—having it interrupted can be unsettling, frustrating, and emotionally challenging.

And it happens all the time.

Hip or knee replacements. Foot or shoulder surgeries. Falls with bruising that need time to heal. The flu or lingering illnesses. Unexpected life events. At some point, almost all of us experience a stretch where we’re forced to slow down.

During these times, it’s important to take a step back and remember that a break of several weeks—or even several months—is pretty normal.

Here are a few things I have been doing to help myself stay (mostly) mentally okay while my body recovers. I hope they help you, too:

1. Separate your identity from routine.​
You won't lose your strength, commitment, or consistency just because your routine is on pause. Healing is part of your training, even when it doesn’t look active. You are not being lazy. Get lots of sleep. Even indulge in something sedentary you don’t usually do—and release the guilt (I watched all six seasons of Nashville)!

2. Stay connected to movement—even if you’re not “working out.”​
This might mean stepping outside for a few deep breaths of fresh air, taking three slow breaths in and out, or gently stretching areas of your body that are okay to stretch. Check in on your posture. Staying connected doesn’t mean pushing through something you’re not ready for. After 14 days, I walked on my treadmill at a 2.0 mph pace, super slow, but it felt good to be on it.

3. Keep perspective—your body remembers.​
Muscle, bone, balance, and confidence won’t disappear overnight. When you’re ready to return, you won’t be starting from zero—you’ll be building on everything you’ve already done.

4. Don't rush your healing. ​
Pay attention to the time frame your doctors have given you. Eat well, stay hydrated, and rest. Skipping steps in your healing often prolongs the process. If you have been listening to your body for a while, it is easier to do this after a setback. Be kind to yourself.

If you are recovering from something right now, I hope this helps.
If you started a new exercise routine this month, good luck. I am cheering you on.

If you are resting your lower body and want to stretch your upper body, try this short seated stretching practice: Seated Morning Stretch with Cats and Sunshine​

Cheers to whatever your journey in 2026 brings you,

When you’re ready to return to exercise after a pause, having clear guidance can make all the difference. My next Strong Women, Strong Bones Jumpstart begins this spring. If you’d like to be notified as soon as dates are announced, email me to add you to the interest list.

If you ever break your wrist and want to keep exercising, I recorded 25 classes in 2024 that I taught while my own wrist healed. 👍Wrist Recovery - Stay Strong While You Heal: 25 Wrist-Friendly Classes​