Being a breast cancer survivor and a person with cerebral palsy, staying healthy is very important! Exercise helps keep muscles conditioned and good for health. I am a member at my local YMCA. Before Jason, I participated in Pilates class and used the arm bike. However, Pilates stopped during pregnancy, and I developed severe tendinitis preventing me from doing the arm bike.
Being a breast cancer survivor, I know exercise is important to health and exercising 150 minutes a week is goal. I joined a Pilates class. Sometimes when you use a wheelchair finding the right exercise program is tough. The wheelchair limits what exercises and and what your body capabilities. Even though my body is in constant motion, I still exercise.
Often people assume that someone with a disability instantly has physical therapy. Unfortunately, it’s not the case due to expensive co pays from insurance. Therefore, researching exercise facilities often is a cheaper!
Many feelings and thoughts enter when starting a fitness class which has people without physical disabilities. I worry teacher will react negatively, students might not react well, and I wonder if I can keep up the pace. Getting stares from curious eyes wouldn’t be a surprise.
I wore comfortable clothes and a water bottle. We left early so I could drop off Jason at child watch. He loves playing with other children. My attendant assisted me in setting up my mat and getting out of my wheelchair. Sometimes when I get off of my wheelchair, people look scared. My attendant left before class began.
People appeared curious as I sat on my mat in front of my empty wheelchair. Most people can’t imagine that people can come out of their wheelchair so seeing me is a shock. I smiled as I took my shoes and socks off. The instructor came in, and I felt happy she was the same one I had for four years ago. Even then, she welcomed me. She said hello to me and class began.
Pilates is an exercise program sitting or lying on the floor. A few moves that are done by standing but mostly on the floor. When people stand, I modify the exercise to whatever I can do. It really isn’t a big deal, and before long, everyone is on the floor.
My movements aren’t exactly flowing as the rest of the class. Sometimes my movements makes me feel a bit self conscious. Pilates focuses movement so my extra movements are just bonus exercise!
After class, my attendant came back to help me with my socks and shoes and lift me back in my wheelchair. My body felt the good ache from a workout, and I feel accomplished in my health. I also workout at home.
