I’m A Clubwoman

The Handicap and the Blogger

by rosemary on 06/05/09 at 6:04 pm

I have a handicapping genetic condition that requires constant maintenance and tuning of my reluctant body or I don’t get to play. I am accustomed to rapidly adapting to my circumstances, but I do not like to learn new routines as they confuse me.  But that’s my life.

My life revolves around 5 hours a week of exercises in the pool with weights and resistance to maintain muscle balance, more time several times a day to use techniques to minimize stress, more time for Biosomatics movement education and practicing the moves so I can remember how to move this oh so reluctant body through vague time and space.

On April 30, my former exercise facility at the local Salvation Army closed precipitously and permanently.  I found a new home at a brand new YMCA facility that does not best accommodate my old regimen.  So I am learning a new regimen step by slow step.  So much time to learn anew, and my brain is filled to overflowing with trying to move these limbs through a new system.  Confused, dazed, tired and loving it!

Changing routines is so frustrating and so good for me.  I have a personal trainer at the Y teaching me how to use specific machines that challenge my poor proprioception and physical integration.  I also got very brave.  I bought a bicycle and rode in the breeze for the first time in 27 years.  It’s an Electra townie that is so light, semi-recumbent and I can put my feet flat on the ground.  Watch out, I have a bugle horn and 21 speeds.  I am free at last, oh wow.

All this necessary time spent on me has really strained my volunteer efforts.  The clubhouse is  not going to get new fluorescent lightbulbs any time soon and my Smart Growth write up for the  Historic Cannon’s Addition neighborhood planning document is in limbo until I have the energy to think clearly.  But, I must be physically sound if I want to actually do anything with my brain.