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

Mon Jul 12 01:32:09 UTC 2010

I am legally blind and used to jog on the street and bike outside but 
got tired of getting injured and was given a ticket for violating 
traffic laws so, I gave up biking on the street.  I was struck by a 
driver that was in the wrong, too.  I now love going to the gym.  I 
know of a total that goes around using the equipment with his guide 
dog.  His sister took the cycling classes, too.  I find that 
instructors are willing to meet ahead of time to explain things and 
might put you with someone to help during the classes.  I love the 
cycling classes.  Some instructors don't use a microphone so, I try to 
be near the instructor.  The cycling classes are great for people of 
all fitness levels as you set the resistance for what works for you.  
Instructors like first timers just to pedal continuously through the 
class without worrying about doing everything.  Spinning was originally 
taught with lights off with instructor setting the journey/ride 
verbally.  It is very easy to follow and learn for the blind.

I took some cycling classes at the gym this national convention and 
loved it.

I encourage you to go.  Many of the gyms have a Silver Sneakers program 
where I live to encourage those on Medicare HMO to do preventive 
exercise so, instructors are now having Seniors or younger people with 
disabilities in their classes and using the equipment.

Denise

-----Original Message-----
From: elizabethbstewart <elizabethbstewart at att.net>
To: 'Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List' 
<sportsandrec at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sun, Jul 11, 2010 5:13 pm
Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] Anyone totally blind and member of a gym?

Hi I do not have very good vision at all, and in the past I have gone to
many spin classes and love them.  I believe if you talk with the 
instructor
and tell them you are blind, and might need help.  They should have no
problem letting you spin on the bike, it is very fun, and you get a work
out.  I love it.  Well, good luck and hope you find a class.
Best of luck,
Elizabeth

-----Original Message-----
From: sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Carly Mihalakis
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 3:07 PM
To: Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List
Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] Anyone totally blind and member of a gym?

Hi, Tanya,

         I don't know if this will work as well for you as it does
for many other totals on this board, but my total common law husband,
Robin and I are devotees to indoor cycling, aka spin class where you
use an indoor bicycle to execute a complete workout. Usually there is
a soundtrack to which you change cadences according to the
instructors direction.
Spin classes are conducted in a single room or area so you can learn
how to get to the spin area, then in my experience other members of
the class are very willing to assist with setting up the bike, after
your settings are identified.
Some people on this board say each member of the class is outfitted
with headphones for getting the instructions, though this is not the
case at our gym, at Berkeley Ironworks the instructor calls the
instructions in his natural voice.  Each instructor has his own style
and you learn to spot the details of how he delivers the directions,
though they are fundamentally the same from instructor to instructor.
I encourage you to give it a try, for once you have been bitten by
the spin bug there is no looking back.
Since that spin bug found me, I eat whatever I want and, I imagine
look alright, not to mention feel great! It's a really body thing, spin 
is.
When i am not able to go, I definitely feel it.
Good luck, and please, other spinners, the time is now for you to speak 
up!
Carly  of Berkeley, California7/7/2010, you wrote:
>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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