Yesterday, I met with my new trainer for the first time. We talked about my goals and what I liked to do at the gym and what I needed to do for my Parkinson’s. We have an appointment next week to start going through my programme. However, she said that I could come in to the gym and do some cardio work till my programme is ready.
So this morning I got up and went to the gym. I was pleased to see that there were only a few people there and that they were all pretty ‘normal’ people, not lycra clad beautiful people. I felt comfortable there and it confirmed my choice of gym as being the right one for me.
I decided to do 30 minutes of cardio spread over three pieces of equipment. First, the bike for 10 minutes. Then, the treadmill for 10 minutes. Lastly, the cross-trainer for 10 minutes. I think for a first time I did pretty well. The bike and the treadmill didn’t feel so bad, but the cross-trainer was a bit tougher. My husband has been using our cross-trainer at home previously – we haven’t had room to set it up in our new house as yet – but I haven’t used one in years. As I plodded through my 10 minutes on the cross-trainer, I couldn’t help but think, ‘How on earth did he do 40 minutes on this thing?’ I made it to 10 minutes and couldn’t imagine going that long. However, at the end of my 30 minutes I was pleased that I had made the effort to come to the gym on my day off. Later this afternoon I also went for a walk for an hour. Not a huge amount of time exercising, but at least it’s a start. It may take me a while, but I know I can build up my stamina and strength and do more and do it better.
Tomorrow, I am meeting my friend and we are going for a bike ride. My e-bike’s battery is charged this time – it was dangerously low last ride – and I am looking forward to getting out in the fresh air and getting more exercise. I had to go to a bone density scan this afternoon and had to be weighed. I have deliberately avoided it lately, knowing that I have put on quite a bit of weight. I was pretty shocked at the number I reached on the scales! But, like my husband said, at least I now have a starting point!
So, training for life began today. Training to keep Parkies under control and to feel in control of this thing that has invaded my life. I owe it to myself to give it my best shot for my future. For my sake and for those that I love who support me.
Day 1 is done and I survived. Roll on Day 2!
My journey with Parkinsons 