All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
A broken back doesnt typically inspire most people to get up and startbeing more active.
Courtesy of Beth Jordan
When Jordan was 35 years old, she broke her back in a freak accident.
It was just the way that I rotated my body, Jordan tells SELF.
Jordan saw an orthopedic surgeon and was told she should have surgery, but she was really hesitant.
I felt like that shouldnt be my only option, she says.
With the help of a back brace, she started moving slowly.
I started with basic things like trying to get out of a chair, she says.
Then, walking down to the mailbox.
Then, walking one block further.
It was really, really gradual.
But the thing I live by is that consistency is your best friend.
it’s possible for you to do a little bit at a time but you gotta be consistent.
Isometric exercises are things like planksmoves that challenge muscles and build strength with barely any movement.
Communicate your preferences, such as whether you’d rather avoid surgery, and ask about your alternatives.
Most patients will get better that way, Goldstein says.
I see some who dont, though, and thats when we operate.
Jordan says it took several months for the bone to fully heal.
Goldstein confirms that this is pretty normal.
Once the bone was healed, Jordan started to focus onstrengtheningher entire body.
So I needed to strengthen the spine, she says.
That took a lot ofcore work, and I started doing a lot ofyogastretching.
It took her about four years post-injury to get to the point where she could really start working out.
The rest, she says, is history.
Without hesitation, she decided to start studying to become a personal trainer.
And here I was five years later and a kickbox instructor.
Nutrition and exercise really changed everything for me.
Jordan is now an ACE-certified personal trainer with specialties in orthopedics and nutrition in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
She runs a bootcamp and helps clients manage chronic health problems through exercise and diet.
Its been a very rewarding journey, she says.
