Thursday, April 22, 2010

WAH HOO WAH!

That is a Tau term I had to shout because I succeeded in getting the Vitaglide to Beth Abraham! I'm so proud of the hard work I put into it and the few that supported me. I honestly started to think that it wasn't going to happen and was going for a plan B. But as long as this institution exists, the residents are going to need good equipment! There will be a ribbon cutting and plaque presented during the health fair in May or June.

Today's workout was especially good on the core. We worked with the ball again, squeezing the ball to myself focusing on my core. It also worked my biceps because the motion of my arms is like a sideways curl. Every quad should try this! I'll try to get Monica to video some of this so people can see, it really is helpful information.

I'm also hoping to start hand cycling soon. There is a spin cycle program at Mt. Sinai which is great just to get the feel of it from people who really know what they're doing and there's Achilles heel which meets in Central Park on saturdays. I'll post more on this as the weeks progress. Yay spring!




Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Training

I've been training at Asphalt Green and I really enjoy it. It's fully accessible and everyone is very helpful and considerate. It's also not just for jocks or gym rats. It's the next YMCA with a full line of gym classes, camps and training programs. Located at 91st and York ave, there are beautiful skyline views and it's just a great way to get out out of here. I'll bring my ipod or my Barnes and Noble eReader, the "nook" and read in the cafe until a few minutes before my accesaride is due.

My trainer leslie and I, have been working on a myriad of different things. Most notably, my hand dexterity. We do hand shakes to stimulate sensation and muscle movement. It feels great to use my right hand again and Leslie uses massage to get the nerves "reminded" again too. I'm not sure how much it will stick long term, but I know it is therapeutic and it makes my hands feel alive, more normal!

We've also been hitting the triceps and the rear deltoids hardcore. These muscles aid in lifting, transferring and pushing. She resists me only using her hands which is enough and I do flies on the cables. Then I'm ready to push in the chair a bit, concentrating on keeping my posture; shoulders down and back, tightening the core. It helps with keeping straight as I've been leaning to the right side. Speaking of the the core, our core exercises include pressing large balls to concentrate using the core muscles, and slowly lifting/transferring medicine balls for the same purpose. It's very tiring!

My transferring is slowly becoming easier over time. I'm still fighting for the vitaglide for Beth Abraham. It's so hard to keep physically motivated after they cut you from therapy! But quads especially need something that can help keep them moving, pushing, so they can have better bed mobility, transferring skills. It also feels good to be able to go out and manage the urban jungle or participate in a handcycling! My hope is that this will be the beginning of quads supporting each other in physical maintenance because unfortunately, there will be more quads at Beth abe.