I have always loved The Alaska Club for its convenience and variety of strength and fitness options, having trained at the club for years to supplement and prepare me for outdoor exercise pursuits. Going to the gym provided an additional dimension to my training for runs, hikes and bike pursuits in the mountains. I enjoyed it and certainly took for granted my ability to try any class or any cardio or weight machine, which was my joy at The Alaska Club – trying new things, new classes and working my whole body. When a surprise knee injury that resulted in a major surgical repair unexpectedly sidelined me in October 2024, I was devastated. In the months that followed, I learned to love The Alaska Club through an entirely new lens – one of recovery.
Overnight, I went from being an everyday recreational athlete, to a couch potato sentenced to six weeks of non-weight bearing on my right leg, and months of physical recovery following that. I was mentally unprepared for the dramatic reduction in my abilities, because there was no event that precipitated my injury, it was simply wear and tear that had led to a full tear. I experienced a range of emotions initially including sadness, anger, pity and self-loathing. My body had failed me, and I felt trapped and pretty helpless, which made me realize how much my mental health and sense of well-being are dependent on exercise and my physical well-being. I felt depressed, until a friend reached out and asked if I’d like to go to The Alaska Club with her. At first, I laughed, “Yeah right, ha, that’s not for me right now, I’ll go back there when I can walk on two feet,” I said. “Oh, come on,” she said, “Your arms are fine and there are lots of machines there for you to use for your upper body.” She was right.
The first machine I crutched over to at The Alaska Club for Women was the hand cycle. How many times had I walked by this beauty of a machine without even noticing it was there? I rested my crutches safely against the wall and got myself seated and my hands placed in the “pedals.” I started to wheel my hands around and much to my delight; it was fun and it got my heart rate up enough to give me that rush and satisfaction that I love. Though I couldn’t run on the trails currently, I could do THIS. I was hooked. What else could I do? Turns out, many of the Nautilus machines for upper body were also totally doable. With my knee locked at zero
degrees in a brace, I managed to work the muscles available for exercise at that moment, amidst a community of health and fitness-minded individuals with whom I’d always felt kinship.
I consulted with my physical therapist about exercises that I could progress to and eventually she encouraged me to practice on the floor doing abdominal exercises. I soon had some stretchy bands and was practicing modified clam shells, and leg lifts on my good side. I was able to supplement my physical therapy effortlessly at The Alaska Club. I can’t emphasize enough what a boost it was for my mental health in recovery to be at a gym with community. The strength I gained during months of recovery was both mental and physical.
When I could bear weight on my surgical leg again, I found my way to the pool. The Alaska Club has pools at many convenient clubs around town, including South and East, which are perfect for me and I’ve recently found whole new communities at each. From Aqua-jogging, to water aerobics to Masters Swim instruction, I have greatly appreciated the support of fellow swimmers, aqua enthusiasts and coaches (thank you, Wally on Wednesday mornings!) who provided support and encouragement every step of the way.
Another benefit of The Alaska Club during injury recovery is the array of hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms. Nothing feels better than heat on sore muscles, it’s truly essential for workout recovery!
I’m more than four months post-surgery now and well on my way to full recovery. While I can’t wait to get back after it, I am grateful for The Alaska Club and the vast array of options that have literally kept me moving, allowing me to maintain my strength and sanity during recovery.