[Sportsandrec] Anyone totally blind and member of a gym?

[Roger Acuna]

Tonia,
I am also completely blind and work out at a local gym regularly.  I found 
that the best way to gain confidence in navigating a gym floor is to first 
have someone take you around to each workout station.  You may want to do 
this two or three times or untill you become totally femiliar with the 
layout. In your case, perhaps the personal trainer could assist you in this 
process.  In my case, I simply asked a gym worker to take me around and I 
found that gym workers were more than happy to show me around to learn the 
layout of the gym.    During your orientation, be sure to get a good feel of 
the machine or weights at each station. (IE) Notice the length, hight and 
with of each station area so that you could later easily recognize it when 
you are on your own. I  am a guidedog user but I find that using a cane 
enables me to more easily tap in and around protruding equipment parts. 
Also talk to a supervisor about labeling certain machines.    I have found 
that supervisors are receptive to the idea when you literally show them how 
you would label it and explain how it would benefit you.  I have worked out 
at various gyms over the years and have never had an issue regarding my 
complete vision disability.  Just tell them what they want to hear and I can 
not imagine that you would have to many problems at your gym.    Also, don't 
be shy about asking "is there anyone using this machine"?  This simple 
question will prevent you from sitting on someone.  I have sat on people 
before. Most times embarrassing and sometimes pleasant! lol!  Anyway, Good 
luck, and happy workouts all around.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gatton, Tonia (OFB-LV)" <Tonia.Gatton at ky.gov>
To: "Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List" 
<sportsandrec at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 1:10 PM
Subject: [Sportsandrec] Anyone totally blind and member of a gym?


> Hi all!  I realize many of you are at convention (where I wish I was);
> but hopefully I'll still get some feedback.
>
> I really want to join my local YMCA gym.  However, I'm hesitant because
> I'm totally blind and quite a bit overweight, and I'm afraid I'll  be
> uncomfortable trying to navigate in tight quarters between the
> equipment, bumping in to or disturbing people during their workout,
> having to always find someone to assist with setting up cardio machines
> or convince them to let me label them in braille, etc.  I have very good
> travel skills and I'm familiar with the various machines.  I've gone to
> gyms in the past but always with a friend who could guide or direct me
> to the next machine.  This time I'll be on my own and I want to feel
> comfortable if I'm going to put out the money for a gym membership.
> Thankfully, the YMCA doesn't require a contract and I do plan on hiring
> a personal trainer for a few sessions to get me started.
>
> Anyone have any ideas or advice from your personal experience on how I
> can overcome my fears?  Also, how have you dealt with fitness classes?
> Are instructor's usually pretty good about meeting with you one-on-one
> at least once before class to go over the moves and terminology they'll
> be using?
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> Tonia
>
>
> Have any of you had similar
>
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