Last week, I shared what it was like settling into my first full week at home. I was becoming more independent, moving around better, and even transitioning from my walker to a cane.
By the end of that week, I was convinced I'd be back coaching.
I was wrong.
A Milestone I Was Looking Forward To
Monday of my third week of recovery was Memorial Day.
My surgeon had told me that once I was off pain medication and felt confident moving my foot between the gas and brake pedals, I could begin driving again.
Since traffic would be lighter on the holiday, my husband rode with me as I drove to the gym for the first time since surgery.
Driving felt...normal.
It was one of the first moments since surgery that made me feel like I was getting my life back.
I wasn't there to coach. I simply wanted to be there for our Memorial Day workout, Murph. Seeing so many familiar faces, cheering everyone on, and feeling the energy of the gym filled my cup.
I spent most of the morning sitting and visiting, but just being there reminded me how much I had missed my community.
Thinking I Was Ready
I was scheduled to coach the 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. classes that Wednesday.
Thankfully, Coach Vicki reached out before then and offered to cover my classes if I needed her.
Looking back, I probably already knew I wasn't ready.
I still wasn't sleeping through the night.
I was still sleeping in my recliner.
My energy wasn't where it needed to be.
But sometimes our pride tells us we're ready before our body agrees.
I accepted her offer.
And I'm so glad I did.
Trying Anyway
Even after taking Wednesday off, I convinced myself I'd be ready by Friday.
So I coached.
In hindsight...
That was probably a mistake.
My members couldn't have been more understanding. They didn't mind that I moved a little slower or needed to sit down more often.
The problem wasn't my members.
The problem was me.
I expected my body to perform at a level it simply wasn't ready for yet.
For the first time since surgery, I realized that determination alone wasn't enough.
Recovery doesn't care how motivated you are.
It has its own timeline.
Physical Therapy Keeps You Humble
Physical therapy continued twice that week, and with each visit the exercises became a little more challenging.
One movement, though, completely humbled me.
A simple straight-leg raise.
Just lying on the table and lifting my leg.
That's it.
Something that normally wouldn't require a second thought suddenly felt almost impossible.
So I modified.
Instead of lifting a straight leg, I worked on bent-leg raises at home and slowly built my strength.
It's funny how surgery changes your perspective.
A movement that would never make it into a CrossFit workout became one of the biggest victories of my week.
Progress Doesn't Always Feel Exciting
At home, life continued getting a little easier.
I could stand up from my chair by myself.
I could get to the bathroom without assistance.
Sometimes I used the cane.
Sometimes I didn't.
Every day I felt a little stronger.
But one thing still hadn't changed.
I still couldn't sleep in my bed.
Night after night, I found myself back in the recliner, searching for a comfortable position and hoping tonight would finally be different.
By the end of May, that lack of sleep had become more frustrating than my hip itself.
Looking Back
This week taught me something I probably needed to learn.
As athletes, we're wired to push through.
We believe if we work harder, we'll recover faster.
Hip replacement doesn't work that way.
My body wasn't asking me to work harder.
It was asking me to be patient.
That was a much harder lesson to learn than any exercise my physical therapist gave me.
What I Wish I'd Known
- Feeling better doesn't always mean you're ready.
- Recovery has its own timeline.
- Don't confuse determination with healing.
- Small exercises can feel like huge accomplishments—and that's okay.
Thanks for reading!
I'll be sharing another chapter of my recovery each week—from those first uncertain steps to eventually returning to CrossFit.
If you're recovering from surgery, dealing with an injury, or simply looking for support on your own health journey, I'd love to connect.
🏋️ Learn more about CrossFit 4042: www.crossfit4042.com
💚 Follow along for weekly recovery updates: Facebook & Instagram @CrossFit4042
📩 Have questions or want to share your own recovery story? Send me a message—I'd love to hear from you.
Next Week: A turning point. Sleeping in my own bed again, getting stronger in physical therapy, and finally feeling like I was moving forward instead of just getting through each day.
About the Author
Amy Locklear is the owner of CrossFit 4042 and a CrossFit and nutrition coach passionate about helping people build strength, improve their health, and live active lives. After undergoing a total hip replacement at age 51, she's documenting her recovery to encourage others facing surgery, injury, or setbacks to keep moving forward—one step at a time.
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