Why I Exercise

[Guest guest]

I know we all experience differences in our CMT, but for me, exercise

has always been important. Not the kind of exercise from playing on a

sports team, but instead, swimming, biking, horseback riding, hiking,

walking in sand, gardening and walking the dogs. In these I am able to

set my own pace, and over the years, I have come to know exactly how

much I can do and not overdue it.

In addition to the solitary activity above,I loved aerobics because

the music was cool and it was sort of like dancing (1980!) Then my

first Yoga classes were cool because I learned more about my body and

muscles and how important breath work is. The ski conditioning class

was the best - although I didn't ski, but we got a great workout and

muscles were worked and stretched.

Ever since rehab from back surgery in 2002, I was turned on to an

aquatics program, designed by both my physical therapists and aquatic

instructor. Then with different instructors, I added more. There is so

much I can do in a pool for legs, arms, hands, feet, hips, head,

balance, etc., it amazes me. On occassion, I do swim laps, but most of

what I do is an aqua-cardio circuit for one hour only MAX. (The pool

is 92 degrees) The one hour limit is normally what patients receive at

PT, and the one hour limit is what most of the gym rats have as their

time to workout. One hour has worked fine for me so far, I'm not

overly exhausted and I can continue with my day.

My gym offers classes free to members and before the new pools were

opened, I took Pilates, which I continue to do at home now. Pilates

has been wonderful for my back and the breath work there I have added

to my aquatics work.

From the pool I can watch people in the gym workout and am always

learning new things. Like today, a guy showed me a new way of doing ab

crunches. I also like to watch others work out, it just stokes me up

with energy and enthusiasm for what I do, what I can do, and what I

will try to do one day.

Exercise calms my mind. I have to 'be present in the moment' in the

pool to concentrate. Exercise also keeps my mind focused when I am out

of the pool. I get things done, I write fluid, I remember, I move, I

think well. I also feel exercise helps me sleep more restfully.

Exercise controls my appetite so I don't binge out on sugars and fats.

I am happy, I like to feel happy, and I want to stay happy!

According to my Internist, I am in great shape with a Body Mass Index

under 22. He is very supportive and encouraging of my exercising. I

don't get muscle cramps or nerve pain that needs medication. If I am

sore or have a tightness feeling anywhere, I try to work it out in the

pool by slowing things down a bit and just walk in water and stretch,

using some of our unique equipment.

If anyone gets to Solvang this summer during June or July, let me

know. I'd be more than happy to demonstrate my Aquatics program and

encourage others. My gym also gives free passes for guests, so you can

actually join me in the pool. Just bring your swimsuit!

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Exercise is important to me as well.

The majority of my exercise is from riding horses. I've found that it helps me

focus. I have to be careful not to overdo it, (but at the same time, I don't let

anyone make me 'underdo' it). My riding instructor laughs at me... I had mono in

January, so I've been coming back slowly. She always goes " lets take it easy

today, Liz... " I agree, but then I always end up pushing myself just a little

further than she would have. My muscles are increasing by leaps and bounds!

My advice, find something you like to do, but do it in moderation. And, if you

need to take a nap afterwards, do so.

Liz