Skating Through the Struggle - My Journey with an Ankle Injury and Recovery.
- Michelle Brandt
- Mar 2
- 1 min read
There’s a unique kind of freedom that comes with skating—whether it’s cruising down the smooth pavement, attempting new tricks at the skate park, or gliding on the ice. It’s a rush, a rhythm, and a lifestyle. But for all the highs it brings, skating also comes with its fair share of risks, and I experienced one of them firsthand: an ankle injury that turned my world upside down.
### The Fall That Changed Everything
It happened in a split second, as most injuries do. One moment, I was in the zone, the next, I was on the ground, clutching my ankle in pain. I’ll admit it—at first, I tried to shrug it off, as skaters often do. But as the swelling ballooned and walking became unbearable, I knew I needed to face reality.
The diagnosis: a broken ankle. It wasn’t the worst-case scenario, as it could've been worse, but it was a stark reminder that even the simplest moves can have consequences.
The first few days post-injury were tough—physically and emotionally. Not being able to do my regular workouts felt like losing a part of myself. I missed the euphoria that pulses through your body with every move. But instead of wallowing in frustration, I made a conscious decision to channel my energy into recovery.
I understand your concerns—getting older can bring about some valid fears about injury, especially when it comes to high-impact or risky activities like skating, skiing, and contact sports. However, the good news is that staying active at any age can still be very rewarding, and there are definitely ways to mitigate risks and still enjoy the benefits of movement.
As a personal trainer, here’s my approach to minimizing injury and encouraging safe participation in activities as we age:
Focus on Mobility and Flexibility
Strengthen Key Muscle Groups
Start Slow and Progress Gradually
Cross Training and Low-Impact Alternatives
Warm-Up and Cool Down Properly
Listen to your Body
Incorporate Balance and Stability Training
You absolutely can be active in your fifties and…
That looks like a painful injury and hope you recover soon. For an older guy like me in my fifties, I fear doing activities like skating, skiing and contact sports due to the increased risk of injury. As a personal trainer, how do you mitigate the risks and avoid injury? I'd love to be active, but don't know if my time has passed. Any advice for me about avoiding injury and activities that you think a man of my age can still enjoy?