Exercise

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks so much for the compliment - a role model! I am flattered.

I actually think that many of the spotlights we read about young people with CMT

who exercise (like the rower who did Henley, like Zahn who is not

" young " but won a bronze in the Beijing paralympics) are so cool. I have been

mulling over doing a spotlight section on my blog and trying to get in touch

with folks for interviews. But this is just an idea I have at the moment...

And thanks for reading my site! I try to update my blog every Monday,

Wednesdays I focus on the charity fundraising that myself and others do, and

Fridays I post recipes / fit tips. My this Friday recipe will be my mother's

favourite stir fry (in response to a conversation I have been having on

Twitter).

Here's my blog address again for those who haven't read it I love getting

comments! www.myfitnessyear.com (blog is on the left side, click on the swim

icon)

Take care and thanks for the super reply!

Donna

[Guest guest]

Working out is great for CMT. I talked to my ankle doctor who knows alot about

CMT and he said to keep working out because it is good. I work out with weights

and machines and it is very good. Doing Pilates and Yoga is very good too. I

worked out for over 20 years now and I'm

40 years old.

[Guest guest]

No way could I do all that and I have been advised not to do it!! I must stay

within my physical limitations. Yes, working out is great for CMT but we must

not overdo it. We fatigue much easier and sooner than non-CMT people. Be

careful. I'd be interested in hearing what other have to say on this topic.

[Guest guest]

Wow, we've been over this about 2257 times in one way or another. Plus our Files

section has many articles about exercise and CMT, Dr. Shy recommeds exercise.

And of course over-doing it is our caution. Having said that, we are all

different in how we're affected and what we are able to do.

I have been engaged in a regular (3X a week, per 1 hour) exercise program since

I was about 30. Whether it was aerobics, yoga, ski conditioning, power walking,

pilates, aquatics, and others) I am now 57, I am still engaged in exercise 3X-4X

per week. I have worked with both physical therapists and aquatic instructors on

a one to one to develop what is best for me. I've been doing aquatics on my own

and with an occassional boost from a new instructor on the 4th day since 2002. I

do this year round, indoors. I know I can do 5-6 days as I have done that,

however, 3X a week is a balance for me.

Seasonally, I get on my mountain bike to clear the cobwebs from my brain, but I

have found the pool to be my gold mine - safe, affordable, and most of all fun.

If I can have fun with exercise I stick with it.

Since 2002's start of aquatics, I have lost about 40 lbs, lost 4 sizes and

strengthed muscles and have had fun! Had I not done this or any exercise at all

in these last 20+ years, I would probably be a candidate for The Biggest Looser,

would not have changed my diet, and would be depressed and miserable.

For me, exercise and diet are critical to CMT management. I know my limits and

do not exceed them, nor am I competitive with others. However, from watching

others, I gain insight into new exercises and then become competitive with

myself. This keeps it all fresh for me, no time for boredom when concentrating

on movement and breathing.

Gretchen