Good morning world! Today is Tuesday September 21, 2020. Happy and Blessed first day of Fall! I love this time of year, because the weather simmers down and the nights are awesome. I also love the changing colors of leaves on the trees. With the cooler weather, I am once again going to start walking outside to get my cardio on. My gym has reopened (as of September 14th). I have so missed walking on the treadmill and the elliptical machine, but with Covid still out of control, I am in no rush to go back. Once a vaccine is in place, then I will return to the gym.
In the meantime, I have a huge reason to celebrate today! I have been working very diligently for the last four years at strengthening my body, especially my neck muscles. There are many Pilates movements that require you to lift your head and neck (if you can), without using your hands as a "crutch". Up until today, there was no way I could lift my neck independently. When I tried, it literally felt as though I had a bowling ball attached to my neck. Today during my private Pilates session, I was laying down on the reformer and was asked to do an ab exercise that required me to start by lifting my neck and head (without straining my neck). I DID IT!!!! I was so shocked and happy that I asked Cecilia to take a picture for proof!
This is what Pilates has done for me. I am getting stronger everyday, but only because I am working hard at it everyday. Yet again, I cannot stress enough how important it is to KEEP MOVING, especially on the days when you do not feel well. Those are the days we need it the most. There have been times when Cecilia has come over to do private sessions with me and when she walked in, I have said "I just can't today". At that time, I was over medicated and all I wanted to do was sleep. On top of feeling completely drugged, my symptoms ranged from shakiness, to unsteadiness on my feet, to light headedness, to spaciness and of course depression, as I had no control over my body. Needless to say, Cecilia always talked me into at least stretching. As I stretched, Cecilia would evaluate my physical ability for that particular session and would tailor exercises based on what she saw. As much as I would tell her that I just was too sick or tried, she was absolutely correct in getting me to move. I always felt so much better and less shaky afterwards. As I have written many times now, PD is just waiting for its chance to take you down. Don't you let it! Keep moving each and everyday! Walk, swim, Pilates, weight training.... There are so many options to pick from.
Pilates4Parkinson's has made such a huge difference in my recovery and ongoing care. The beauty of this program is that each session is tailored for my particular issues. I have learned that no two people have the same symptoms, when it comes to PD. This is one of the reasons why I love P4P, because Cecilia hones right in to what my body really needs that day. I have seen HUGE improvements in my gait, my tremors and my balance. I am happy to chat with you about Pilates or answer any questions you may have. I can never begin to thank Cecilia enough for her hard work and ongoing research on exercises and nutritional advice. She continues to give me the tools to stay strong and healthy.
That's me!! Here is the proof that I was able to lift my head and neck up independently today for thie very first time! I can't remember the last time I smiled this much (well clearly not in the picture)! I credit my hard work and consistent Pilates practice for this breakthrough! š¤øš»āāļø
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