Swimming great for CMT

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone!

I am Holly, 40, from Corpus Christi, TX, married to my wonderful

husband for 14 yrs, diagnosed with CMT age 9 (from Mom's side

of the family). I retired from the working world at age 32 in order

to take better care of myself, and was blessed to not have any

trouble getting SSD (though it is a teensy amount, it's better than

nothing!).

Anyway...I have found that swimming/being in the water is one of the

best exercises for CMT. I've done alot of research on the subject,

too, and mine and my mother's neurologists recommend it for CMT and

other neuro-muscular diseases. It is not hard on your joints, yet you

get good resistence against the water for strengthening. I swim laps

and walk in the water at our local YWCA indoor pool for only

$39/month. I have access to all the facilities, but the water is

where I feel most comfortable. I feel " normal " in the water!!

You do not have to be an avid swimmer or even a swimmer at all to get

in the water and exercise. The YWCA has several classes for elderly

and/or physically challenged individuals. In some of them, they

never get to water over their chests or even get their hair wet, yet

still get great exercise.

Swimming or just moving about in the water is good for your

cirulation, respiratory system and muscles. Of course, I do not let

myself get over tired. I get out while I am still able to walk!! I

don't want to damage the muscles I still have.

I have been out of the routine for several years, but after having a

difficult year in 2003, I joined the YWCA again in Nov. with the

realization that I HAVE to do it so I can keep the use of my legs. I

was really weakening and going down hill.

I pray and praise my creator every time I go to the Y and as I'm swimming,

for my courage and strength come my creator, and I do believe my creator wants

to keep me on my feet!!

Peace and Blessings to you all,

Holly