You got motivated. You got a trainer/ a gym membership/ a Yoga mat/ or package for insert trendy fitness class here.

Note to self- buy latex gloves and a surgical mask for next El commute.

And then you fell on the ice. Or worse, you injured yourself in the very class that you were trying to be so dedicated to. Or maybe you just sat next to the WRONG person on the El and got the worst cold you’ve ever had. Just like that, you’re back to being a benchwarmer and your couch and hot chocolate begin to chip away at any fitness gains you made with that New Years’ resolution you so diligently stuck to for all of January.

What does a PLRG do in this era of exorbitant healthcare costs, insurance that seems to cover NOTHING, and doctors that want to help but, only can after three appointments, pre-certifications, and weeks of wasting time waiting on insurance companies?

With that said, I’m here to dish the solutions to get you on the mend in no time at all… and perhaps, even for FREE!

If you slipped on the ice, tripped wearing those bad-for-your-feet-but-oh-so-cute fluffy boots, or just took a misstep in your Zumba class, the budget-friendly diva will head to her local physical therapy clinic. A little known gem is what’s called an “Injury Screen”. Call your local clinic, ask for an injury screen, and POOF… you get a 30 minute slot FOR FREE and whether or not you have insurance has no bearing on this appointment. Better yet, you can have a trained physical therapist look at your injury, assess you, and let you know whether or not you need to see your doctor or whether you just need the skilled therapy a physical therapist can provide. Sometimes, your physical therapist might have such a good relationship with your GP (aka your normal doctor) already, that a simple fax can even get you a prescription for therapy (if needed). And just like that, you’ve solved your injury, bypassed a few co-pays and hours in waiting rooms, and are on your way to being back in action.

Try the new, female-owned and operated Sports & Ortho Physical Therapy Clinic at 405 N. Wabash, 2nd floor, phone: 312-464-0700. A classier version of most clinics, you won’t find drab medical-looking fixtures here. Instead you find hardwood floors, leather chairs for waiting, private rooms, and state of the art equipment including Wii Fit, ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, and even a ladder machine. With an in-clinic Yoga studio and a massage therapist on site, this could become your go-to feel good place.

If you're busy (or too broke) to be sick, just visit your local drugstore!

Now, if what’s got you down is more illness than injury, and loads of Echinecea and sleep are doing nothing for you, what to do for that? Simple. Get yourself to your local Take Care by Walgreens or CVS Minute Clinic (locations are easiest searched on each company’s website). You can see a Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant (both whom are practically as well trained as doctors, not kidding!) for simple ailments such as urinary tract infections, sinus infections, flu-like symptoms, the common cold, and more. Better yet, this PLRG herself knows that it’s amazing to be able to walk into a place on your own schedule, wait 30 minutes or less (usually), most insurances are accepted, and get treated with the same prescription a GP would give (and usually with better attention).

Bonus: CVS’s Minute Clinic makes copies of your medical records for you to keep as well as for you to get electronically! That way, you can always be in the loop with your treatment and keep your GP up to date.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there, feel better, and get back into the game! After all, spring fashions & bikini season aren’t that far away…

Yours in Fitness,

Christy

www.christylyonsyoga.com
christylyonsyoga@gmail.com

As a PLRG “Get Hot” columnist, let me tell you that I firsthand understand how expensive keeping fit, kicking butt, and getting zen with Yoga or Pilates can be. I’ve been teaching Yoga for over 2 years now at big-name gyms, corporate private classes, and at Yoga studios…and you’re right, it’s expensive (and no, teachers don’t see that cash)! My love affair with fitness combined with my lifestyle as a PoorLittleRichGirl have led me here and I hope that my column can help you have the best of both worlds.