Navigating Fitness with Chronic Pain: Key Takeaways from Frankie’s Journey

In a recent episode of Body Beyond the Scales, I had the pleasure of chatting with Frankie, a runner and advocate for living an active life despite the challenges of living with a chronic illness (fibromyalgia).

Our conversation touched on the importance of advocating for your health, redefining fitness goals, and finding sustainable ways to stay active while managing chronic pain.

Here are a few of my key takeaways from the conversation with Frankie – which you can listen to HERE.

1. Advocating for Your Health with Chronic Pain

One of the key topics we discussed was the importance of self-advocacy in health, especially for those with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Frankie shared her frustrations with doctors sometimes dismissing her pain or attributing it to anxiety, a common experience for many women. Advocating for yourself becomes even more critical when dealing with under-researched conditions like fibromyalgia, where solutions aren’t always clear.

Frankie’s advice? Push for answers. You know your body best, so if something feels off, don’t be afraid to speak up and demand the care you deserve. This kind of advocacy is crucial for anyone dealing with ongoing pain or chronic conditions, especially when medical professionals don’t provide immediate solutions.

2. Redefining Health Beyond Appearance

Another important takeaway from our conversation was Frankie’s shift in mindset around health and fitness. Like many young women, she once equated being thin with being healthy. However, her journey with fibromyalgia has helped her see that true health is about what your body can do, not just how it looks.

Frankie shared that while she’s at her heaviest now, she’s also at her healthiest—running half marathons, training for a full marathon, and even returning to dance – a sport she loved as a child. Her story highlights a crucial message: health and fitness are not about aesthetics. They are about feeling strong, capable, and able to live the life you want. This is an essential mindset shift for anyone trying to break free from the pressures of appearance-based fitness goals.

3. Sustainable Fitness for Long-Term Success

Sustainability in fitness was a major theme in our discussion. Frankie explained that when she was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia, she thought she’d have to give up activities like hiking and running that brought her joy. Over time, however, she found ways to adapt her fitness routine to her body’s needs.

For example, adding strength training helped Frankie manage her knee pain and prevent injuries. Her story serves as a reminder that fitness is about adapting to your current situation and finding sustainable ways to stay active without overexerting yourself. This is particularly relevant for those managing chronic conditions, but it applies to anyone looking to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

4. The Importance of a Strong Support System

Frankie emphasized how crucial her support system has been throughout her fitness journey. Whether it’s family helping with housework during intense training periods or friends offering understanding and encouragement, having people around who can offer practical and emotional support can make a huge difference.

If you’re dealing with a chronic illness or simply navigating a busy life, having a strong support network can help you stay on track with your goals while ensuring you’re not overwhelmed. As Frankie shared, sometimes the best support comes in the form of practical help—like someone picking up the slack when you need it most.

Conclusion: Living an Active Life with Chronic Pain

Frankie’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, self-advocacy, and the importance of adapting to life’s challenges. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or simply looking for ways to make your fitness journey more sustainable, her story is full of valuable lessons.

Remember, health is personal—it’s about finding what works for your body and mind. Take inspiration from Frankie’s approach: listen to your body, make fitness sustainable, and never stop advocating for yourself.

If you’d like to follow Frankie’s marathon journey and her experiences with chronic pain, you can find her on Instagram at @Frankie.GoesRunning and if you’d like to listen to the full episode – click the button below.

Listen to the episode