[Diabetes-talk] Starting Exercise classes

Fri Feb 17 20:30:37 UTC 2012

Julie,

Exercise has always been important to me, and I was very physically
active as a teen. When I lost my vision at age 22, I didn't find it
difficult to continue an exercise routine, though some alternative
techniques are helpful.

Whether it be exercise, work, school or anything else, if you go into it
with confidence, people usually pick up on this aura, and will be more
likely to help you instead of hinder you. Even if you don't feel
completely confident, still act as though you are, and this includes
having the sense to ask questions and admit you don't know all the
answers but are willing to learn as you go along.

Now, if you plan on using equipment like treadmills, elliptical, rowers,
weight machines and anything similar, you can always ask if the gym will
allow you to mark machines and equipment with clear Braille labels, if
you use Braille. My husband and I have done this with our equipment at
home as well as the equipment in our complexes gym. Another solution
would be for a gym employee to assist you in setting a piece of
equipment up when you come in to use it so you have the settings you
want. I would recommend you do an initial tour of the facility anyway as
well as have a staff member demonstrate any equipment you may wish to
use. I too use a cane, and there's absolutely no reason you can't
navigate a gym safely and competently. Regardless of how a gym may feel
about a blind member, they have no precedence, or right,  to deny you
services or assistance, or rescind your membership.

Exercise classes can be trial and error for anyone because you will want
to find one you enjoy, but you may be more comfortable in some classes
over others in terms of the level of accommodations required. Most
aerobic-based classes will not be too difficult to follow if you have an
instructor or fellow member to assist you in learning the steps and
motions. An instructor may even be willing to work with you individually
to learn things since many classes end up pretty fast-paced. Yoga and
pilates classes are quite easy because you are learning to hold poses
meaning it's can be easier to follow and easier for a person to assist
you with manipulating the proper pose. Again, it may take trial and
error, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Eating more protein will help keep sugars stable. If you plan on
exercising during a typical meal time, first consult your doctor what
they recommend, two, eating similar foods at the same times each day
will help acclimate your body to the routine, and again, eating more
protein helps stabilize glucose readings. I'm a late eater, and I also
tend to exercise late as well. Test before and after exercising, and ask
your doctor about protein bars you can eat after exercising. I've
personally not noticed this, but some people have experienced more
stable sugars when eating Glucerna products before and after exercising;
it's something to consider. And obviously exercise is really good for
diabetics. As long as you test regularly, eat properly and are prepared
for things, there's no reason exercise can't be a part of a diabetics
daily routine. I work-out four to six times a week, and I prefer to do
outdoor exercise such as power-walking on the trail near my house, or
some athletic exercise like swimming or playing soccer, but living in
Nebraska, the weather doesn't always support outdoor activity so I often
opt to use an elliptical machine or stair-step, and I always do floor
exercises and stretches. Once you fall into a routine, it becomes second
nature.

As for the hubby, it won't kill him to take care of himself a few nights
a week, grin!

If you have more questions, or I haven't answered something, please feel
free to contact me.

Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/

"History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan

-----Original Message-----
From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie Kline
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2012 12:56 PM
To: Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Starting Exercise classes

Hi everyone,

I've been tossing around the idea of joining up with a gym and doing
exercise classes, eventually working up to a few days a week.  I haven't
done any kind of formal program like this in about three years because
the transportation to get me back and forth just wasn't working, and
originally I had dropped out because I didn't see a point continuing to
pay for something I couldn't get to and use at the time.  Since then, I
got married and moved to a new area.  There's a place a few blocks away
from where we live that I think getting to and from would be feasible.
My doctor likes the idea and I've been cleared for it.  I have a meeting
set up with a place (Curves for women) this coming Thursday, but I have
to say I'm nervous about it.  For people that have done classes or
exercise at places, do you find that the people there are jumpy about
dealing with you because you are blind and they are sure you will sue
them if you get hurt on the equipment?  Last time I went to exercise,
that never happened.  How do you address this issue?  Are there other
issues you have found doing exercise classes and if so, how did you work
around them?  I don't have a dog; I use a cane.  I don't think my
husband is exactly on board with the idea, but that's mostly from a
domestic standpoint because I'll be getting home probably a couple of
hours later than I usually do and that means a late dinner closer to bed
time, (around 10:00) which we both try to avoid eating too late because
of acid reflux.  He's not very enthusiastic about taking over the
cooking, and frozen dinners for the two of us 3 or 4 nights a week just
isn't practical. Is there a work around for this too?  Last time I went
to exercise, I was single and my schedule was so that I went before
work, but I started work later in the day during that time so it wasn't
really an issue like it is now.  I'm locked into a shift time now and
they won't let me change it.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any advice.

Thanks.
Julie

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