Fitness Coach’s Stroke Experience Warns Against Overexertion in the Gym
In a powerful testament to the importance of safety and self-awareness during workouts, Bridgette Salatin, a 33-year-old fitness coach from Ohio, recounts her life-altering experience of suffering strokes due to a severe injury incurred while lifting weights.
The Incident
On a fateful day two years ago, Salatin was performing a 70kg barbell squat when she felt an overwhelming sense of dizziness accompanied by a “really bad” headache. Having neglected her nutritional needs and rest prior to the lift, she began to panic, holding her breath to exert maximum effort.
“When I woke up that day, I had a pain in my neck, but I thought I’d probably just slept on it funny,” Salatin explained. As the pain intensified and intensified—as it radiated from her shoulders to her temple—she collapsed.
Medical Consequences
Following the incident, doctors diagnosed Salatin with multiple mini-strokes resulting from a torn artery in her neck. Additionally, she was found to have occipital neuralgia, a painful condition caused by the injury or inflammation of the occipital nerves in the scalp. This condition often arises due to factors such as pinched nerves or muscle tightness.
“They did a few scans on me and they said ‘you’ve had a stroke’ but how in the world does that happen at the age of 31?” she recalled. The diagnosis led to feelings of grief and a profound sense of loss concerning her identity and abilities.
Ongoing Struggles
Despite months of recovery involving bed rest and blood thinners, Salatin reports that her life has altered dramatically. Even two years later, she struggles with short-term memory loss and finds daily tasks challenging. “I used to teach a yoga class that was strictly on learning headstands, but I can’t do that anymore,” she stated.
A Message to Others
Salatin is now gradually reintroducing herself to her workout routine, opting for lighter weights and emphasizing the critical balance between pushing personal limits and ensuring safety. Her primary advice to fellow fitness enthusiasts is clear: “Don’t push yourself too hard.”