Health and Fitness Revolution in the Mountains of Kentucky

Me sweating after an at home CrossFit style Workout of the Day.

In March 2014, I renewed my vows to reclaiming my health and physical fitness.  For many years, I have battled diagnosed hypothyroidism.  Many of my family members have this condition, as there is a genetic component.  I believe I have had it since my teenage years, but it was never recognized.  I didn't go to the doctor much, then.  When I rededicated my kitchen to traditional foods preparation, and firmly set myself to working out, I noticed something really beautiful.  It seemed that a lot of the mothers that I had met in various ways throughout the region were doing the same thing.  A friend had started a Facebook support group for mothers dedicated to health and fitness, and I found a lot of encouragement and fun there.

By the time July 2014 rolled around, I was finding that I could no longer keep up with the form of workouts I had chosen.  I was doing CrossFit inspired and HIIT home workouts.  I was really worried because no matter my physical size, I had always been athletic and capable of pushing myself to keep up with strenuous exercise.  Not only this, but the migraine headaches that I had been having since age 13 had picked up in frequency and were becoming debilitating.  I reluctantly went to my family doctor.  That began a cascade of testing and seeing specialists.  I have seen a neurologist (and will regularly, indefinitely), orthopedic specialist, gastroenterologist, ob/gyn, chiropractor, and a dermatologist.  I've had bloodwork every 3 months, MRIs, CTs, x-rays, and cultures of various sorts.  Then, the ER visits.  

I had to begin taking medications that would significantly lower my heart-rate in order to help prevent the headaches that were interfering with day to day life.  This meant that it was now physically impossible for me to keep up with the intense workouts.  That is when I took back up with a daily yoga practice.  I now practice Kundalini and Vinyasa yoga at least 6 days a week.  I eat real food as well as I can manage, and I try to feed my family the same way.  See, I wasn't giving up.  I have three daughters to raise and provide an example for.  If I gave up on myself, what would I be teaching them?  

A few weeks ago, I got some results from bloodwork that shows it is very likely that I have Hashimoto's Thyroditis.  It wasn't a surprise to me at all.  Everything I have been experiencing points in that direction, and I have been studying thyroid health for years trying to ward off what was possibly going to be my fate and now is.  I still need some testing to confirm the diagnosis, but my insurance won't cover it.  I'm waiting until October to see if my current blend of meds and supplements makes any difference in my bloodwork, and then I will pay out of pocket for the further testing.  The graphic to the right is the best I have seen to explain what most days feel like for me.  You can see it as a sad thing, or a thing to spur you on.  Most days I find that I have the willpower to choose the latter.

All that said, leads me to why I'm really writing this post today.  This region of Kentucky is known as one of the sickest regions in the nation.

Kentucky is one of the sickest states in America, a place where too many people die too soon, and many who live endure decades of illness and pain.

Its residents as a whole fare poorly on almost every health measure -- second worst in the nation for cancer deaths, fifth worst for cardiovascular deaths, seventh worst for obesity. Kentucky adults smoke at the highest rate in the nation and exercise at the lowest.

And Kentuckians die at a rate 18 percent above the national average.
-Laura Unger, Bad habits, poverty undermine health, The Courier Journal, July 16,2005

I must say, that what I'm seeing in my neck of the woods, currently, around health and fitness, gives me a great hope for our future.  As I research and find the resources I need to receive the healthcare and access the food that I need to live the best quality of life possible for me, I am finding other eastern Kentuckians doing the same.  Not only are they taking charge of their health, but they are becoming the change that they want to see in the region.  

People I went to school with who are in the medical field are offering free, daily health tips via Facebook and coming back to the region to serve their communities.  When I make posts about health and fitness information, I get messages and replies asking for more information or making comments that offer me more information.  Area residents seem more interested in local food options.  Farmer's Markets are sprouting up all over, and people are learning more about wildcrafting.  Yet, the thing that inspires me the most is what I'm seeing as an increased willingness of people to use and explore the capabilities of their own bodies in outside of the box ways.  I have recently started teaching yoga in Hindman and Whitesburg and have been so pleased to have no fewer than two and as many as eleven in my classes!  So many express interest and a desire to learn how to take responsibility for their health.  This makes me hopeful for the health of our young people.

Nick Potter and coach Cody Slone instructing a kids CrossFit class at CrossFit Experior in Williamson.

A young, Pikeville couple has recently motivated me to share my yoga knowledge in ways they may not know.  Through their consistent effort to share their passion for fitness and health with their community, they are a part of those who are the change we need to see in this region.  Nick and Cristin Potter are the parents of five children and active members of their community. They are just one example, but a really good one, of what is happening here right now.  Their enthusiasm and grand results from taking up the sport CrossFit has led to a desire to share this bounty with anyone interested.  The desire has now grown into a business that will soon open a second location in the Pikeville area. 

Nick is part owner (along with Stacie Beckett and Carrie Adkins) of the new CrossFit Experior in Williamson, and Cristin instructs and works from the box (gym).  I asked Nick why he wanted to make this passion of his into a career, and his answer is so much a part of the solution I envision for the positive growth of our region.

I wanted to open a gym to make a difference in the community, to help people change for the better. I think people are more interested in a healthier lifestyle these days for many reasons, like a better quality of life, to be more physically capable, longevity of life, or maybe to prevent a future health crisis. People as a whole are learning and adapting. 80 years ago everybody smoked. It was the norm. We're at a time now where healthcare and technology make things well known. We know now smoking has many adverse health problems, eating fast food, and drinking soda everyday has adverse health reactions. - Nick Potter

Simply put.  He wants to make a difference in his community.  Nick and Cristin saw an issue that affected them personally and in their desire to change it for themselves, they are a part of changing it for the community at large.  We live in an area that is so naturally beautiful.  I see it as very possible that this region can be known for health and well-being in our future.  That's part of my vision as I share yoga with those who come to my classes.  I know Nick and Cristin are seeing it on a daily basis as they inspire people of all ages to good health.

Memorial Day Murph @ CrossFit Experior. 20 lb weight vests. From left to right, coach Matt Chandler, Dino Beckett (co owner Stacie's husband), and George Poole.

Tire flip - Danielle Masters

Cobra Pose - Trista Hickerson

Jane Austen wrote in Persuasion, "I am half agony, half hope."  On the days when my body and emotions feel agony, I look to hope.  I'm going to fight the good fight.  Others are fighting the good fight.  This is just one part of the puzzle that will be rebuilding eastern Kentucky, but it is this type of revolution that makes me not give up completely.  It is a clear path to goodness.