Slowing down can’t be easy for the “Grandfather of strongman,” Nick Best. However, Best shows us that sometimes, patience and discipline are required—even during recovery. His recent Instagram post shows him singing along to “East Bound and Down” while using a walker shortly after hip surgery.

Most people, especially athletes who are accustomed to training and using their bodies daily, have a hard time facing recovery.  Focusing on the frustration that comes with slowing down can be hard. The easiest way to recover healthily, though? According to Best, it is having the right mindset.

“East Bound and Down, loaded up and truckin’, we’re gonna do what they say can’t be done,” he sings merrily. “We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there. I’m east bound, just watch ol’ bandit run.”

His positive spirit and chuckle at the end of the song are enough to inspire anyone who is watching. He captions the video “Every day I’m getting stronger. Every day I’m feeling better.” All we can say is, the world is watching and praying for the best.

Watching his reels serves as a reminder that sometimes, real strength lies in healing smarter. For bodybuilders and athletes, this also means training smarter, not just harder.

Why Bodybuilders Like Nick Best Face Hip Problems

For bodybuilders like Best, chronic hip pain, joint issues, and muscle wear and tear come with the territory. Heavy squats, yokes, deadlifts, and other such strenuous activities over the course of their careers put heavy stress on their bodies.

Combine that with lifting over 300 pounds for decades, and you have got yourself a problem.

However, what makes Best’s story so inspiring is how he openly discusses recovery. Instead of pretending to simply push through the pain, he focuses on patience and mobility.

He also talks about the importance of listening to your body- something modern lifters tend to ignore. One of the best things you can do to prevent lower back and hip issues is adequate stretching.

A lot of people don’t understand how stretching can be the backbone to healthy tissues and joints. Whether you are an athlete or simply working a desk job, this simple hack can save you from decades of pain in the future.

According to Healthline, some of the best stretches to practice regularly include-

• Hip flexor stretch
• Butterfly stretch
• Pigeon pose
• Figure four stretch
• Leg swings

Sometimes, being the “Best” strongman isn’t just about lifting the heaviest weights. It is also about knowing when to take a step back to heal and come back stronger.

Do you practice pre- and post-workout stretches at the gym? Share your routine with us below.

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil