From Back Injury to Aerial Yoga: Martin Treacy’s Remarkable Journey
Ah, ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round! We’ve got a classic tale of human resilience that would make even the stiffest of backs do a little twist! Meet Martin Treacy, a 66-year-old who’s spent more time running than most of us have spent binge-watching reality TV. This gentleman has been a member of the premier athletics club Clonliffe Harriers since 1978—yes, 1978! That’s practically prehistoric in sports terms. He wasn’t just jogging around the local park; no, no, he was churning out at least 125 kilometers a week. That’s like running the first half of a marathon… every week! And you thought your steps on that new smartwatch were impressive!
But as life would have it, in the summer of 2012, Martin decided to adopt a new dance partner—pain. A mid-back injury crept up on him like an unwanted text from your ex: unexpected and oh-so uncomfortable. How do you respond to this unwelcome guest? Well, if you’re Martin, you ditch high-intensity workouts and go for something that sounds just a tad peculiar: aerial yoga. That’s right, folks! He traded in his running shoes for some fancy silk hammocks. I mean, why just run when you can fly—albeit a little less gracefully than a bird and a lot more like a confused sloth?
Now, you might be thinking, “Aerial yoga? Isn’t that just an elaborate way to nap while hanging upside down?” Well, dear reader, let me tell you, it’s about as far from napping as you can get—unless you consider the sweet release of unconsciousness while slowly twisting into a pretzel as ‘napping’. Martin has reportedly found that the flexibility he’s gained has not only helped him to recover but has, wait for it… allowed him to keep on running! What a turn of events! Who knew that hanging from the ceiling could be the secret to a healthy back?
So, if you’ve got an ache in your back from all those couch-bound escapades or simply struggle with the concept of “recovery,” why not try a little aerial yoga? Who knows, you might just end up becoming the next Rosemary Conley or, dare I say, the next Martin Treacy! Remember, life is all about trials—sometimes, quite literally when you’re hanging off a silk sheet. And if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ll have an incredible story to share about your time as a ninja sloth! Now, that’s a narrative worth spinning!
After suffering a significant back injury in 2012, Martin Treacy discovered that aerial yoga provided the perfect balance of physical activity and rehabilitation, significantly aiding in his recovery process.
Martin Treacy reflects on his journey: ‘The flexibility I have gained has really stood to me, it has allowed me to keep on running.’ Photo: Gerry Mooney
The 66-year-old Treacy, a dedicated member of the renowned Clonliffe Harriers athletics club in Santry, Co Dublin, has been deeply immersed in the world of sports since 1978. He has demonstrated impressive athletic prowess, routinely logging at least 125km of running weekly and excelling in various disciplines including track, field, and cross-country.
However, during the summer of 2012, Treacy experienced a painful mid-back injury, a condition that came as a complete surprise to him, abruptly ending his engagement in high-impact cardiovascular exercises. This unforeseen setback sparked a shift in Treacy’s fitness journey, leading him to explore the unique realm of aerial yoga — a blend of strength training and flexibility that has become instrumental in his rehabilitation.
