CrossFit to prepare for and recover from total knee replacements with David Mendenhall - PH40

“CrossFit didn’t break me – it made me stronger and more resilient. Other sports broke me down. CrossFit continues to make me more ‘bulletproof’ for life and its challenges – my challenges. It continues to allow for controlled, strenuous activity that builds wicked strong bones and … Continued

The post 40 – CrossFit to prepare for and recover from total knee replacements with David Mendenhall appeared first on Julie Foucher | Reebok CrossFit Games Athlete.

“CrossFit didn’t break me – it made me stronger and more resilient. Other sports broke me down. CrossFit continues to make me more ‘bulletproof’ for life and its challenges – my challenges. It continues to allow for controlled, strenuous activity that builds wicked strong bones and muscles while demanding precise, functional movement. My new knees thrive on that. And that means I get to do things like hike mountains, tele-ski, snowboard, and, of course, do more CrossFit.” – David Mendenhall

This week we learn about David Mendenhall, a 47 year old husband, father, middle-school teacher and relatively recent, but rabid, CrossFit convert. A lifelong downhill skier and outdoor enthusiast, his adult training and fitness exploits prior to finding CrossFit in 2013 involved years dedicated to the martial arts, a personal yoga practice, distance running, triathlon competition, and semi-“extreme” cycling stints. After hanging up his cycling helmet in the fall of 2012 for an indefinite hiatus, his wife introduced him to Beau Teal at CrossFit Burlington.

David back in the gym after his second knee replacement

I caught up with David to discuss his transition to CrossFit and how he used it to regain functionality after a long battle with arthritis as well as prepare for and recover from two total knee replacements.

In this episode, we discuss:

His history as an athlete who stayed active in high school varsity sports, his Outward Bound experience that provided the backdrop toward moving out west for college, meeting his wife, staying active through several outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, cycling and mountain biking, as well as martial arts.
His move to Vermont after college, marriage, Master’s Degree in Education, the birth of his children, the beginning of ‘falling out of shape.’
How David got into martial arts/Aikido and the beginning of the chronic degradation of his body, including several knee surgeries
His pursuit of a long-distance running career and persistent knee issues that followed.
David’s transition from running, cycling and triathlons to starting Crossfit as well as his perspective on overall fitness and strength.
The benefit of functional movement on his arthritis pain
Undergoing two total knee replacements and returning to the gym and as an athlete and coach
Three things he does on a regular basis that have the biggest positive impact on his health.
One thing he struggles to implement that could have a big impact on his health.
What a healthy life looks like to him

Related Episodes:

Michelle Mitchell: Exercise, Crossfit and Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Dr. Michael Canales on gymnastics, CrossFit, and mentorship
Robert Porter and his coach Patrick Flannery on losing 90 pounds with CrossFit and finding the right community for you

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating. I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below and on social media using the hashtag #JFHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every other Tuesday.

Disclaimer: This podcast is meant to share the experiences of various individuals. It does not provide medical advice, and it is not a substitute for advice from your physician or health care professional.

The post 40 – CrossFit to prepare for and recover from total knee replacements with David Mendenhall appeared first on Julie Foucher | Reebok CrossFit Games Athlete.