Aches, pains, and fatigue — Ow My!

My relationship with exercise has always been an unhealthy one — one consisting of short-lived obsessions with new activities; participating as often as humanly possible until injuring myself.

After some passing time, the injury healed and I found myself bored with whichever activity held my interest during the time.

This unhealthy habit developed at a fairly young age.

For example, every day after class when I was in my tweens, I would slip on a pair of roller blades then cruise around the neighborhood for hours.

I completely neglected my body — no stretching, breaks, or proper nourishment. The final day of this venture resulted in me stranded on the side of the road with burning calves, calling my mom to pick me up.

Fast-forward to today and I still experience similar aches and pains from working out, but now I have the knowledge and tools to remedy these ailments.

I now practice preventive maintenance with consistent stretching and yoga practice.

Yoga has been especially enjoyable these days since I've acquired a newfound strength which allows me to perform poses more easily and naturally.

Despite my struggle with diet, I've discovered that timing my meals around workouts and keeping hydrated helps ease fatigue and body aches.

Another benefit has been having a trainer monitor my form during workouts.

Anyone can go online to learn a new skill, but receiving hands-on feedback has prevented me from improper movement and overexertion.

My absolute favorite method of alleviating pain has been massaging my body with a foam roller.

I'm excited to say that I accomplished a personal landmark by running an entire 5K, which is exciting, but it took a toll on my body.

Following Josh's advice I started out with a slow pace, gradually increasing speed with each lap. I was also fortunate to have At Work contestant Jimmy Reid of Tempco Electric Heater Corp. to help keep me moving toward the end when struggles began to appear.

After completing the 5K my body felt good, but as the day continued a sharp pain gradually increased in my left knee which left me limping.

The following day I limped into Push Fitness and Josh immediately had me use the foam roller.

Like magic, I left that training session without limping or intense pain.

Now, I try to set aside time to use the foam roller every day, and despite looking like a flopping seal, my body feels great!

• Kat Polomsky is a Daily Herald events specialist and also helps manage the Fittest Loser At Work Challenge.

By the numbers

<span class="fact box text bold">Starting weight:</span> 155

<span class="fact box text bold">Current weight:</span> 146

<span class="fact box text bold">Week weight lost:</span> 2 lbs.

<span class="fact box text bold">Total weight lost:</span> 9 lbs.

<span class="fact box text bold">Percent weight lost:</span> 5.8%