[Sportsandrec] exercise suggestions

[Ashley Bramlett]

Sarah,
I'm a bit late in responding but if you're still here, here is my advice.
Happy thanksgiving all! lets work off that load of turkey now!

I also struggle with motivation. There are lots of options  for sighted 
people like videos to watch and then mimic the exercise and classes. There's 
lots of classes at my gym but half of them would go too fast to follow.
I get bored with cardio equipment too. But I've found that cardio fitness 
via a cardio machine is the most accessible and even those machines are not 
fully accessible. I cannot read the displays on some of the treadmills at 
the gym; the display is very fancy and shows a map or scene as you workout. 
I have tunnel vision and can see displays with enough contrast. I can see 
the displays on the other model treadmills though.
What I do is vary the equipment I go on. This may not work for you if you 
are not at a gym. This helps lessen the bordem. Personally I love the 
treadmills and just jog or speed walk on them. You can vary your pace and 
incline on a treadmill so it helps keep things interesting for me.
But I use other equipment too, but find treadmills are my main tool.

As for suggestions, it depends on what your goals are. If you tell us some, 
we might be able to help more.
Yes, there are I phone apps. Lisa Maria posted some ideas about that a few 
months ago. So search the archives at www.nfbnet.org to find them.
You might be motivated  by music or just reaching a goal and noting it. How 
about making a record of your work out activity. For instance, you could 
have a goal to row a certain distance per workout session.

Also is there a community center in your area? You said you cannot
afford a gym, but if you have a recreation center nearby, they might have a 
fee you can afford. Also the YMCA might be affordable; and they might even 
negotiate the price if finances are an issue.
Sometimes other community places have exercise classes that you might could 
join. They may or may not be accessible; but worth asking the instructor 
about it if you think you want to join. Schools, churches, and sometimes 
even hospitals have exercise classes.
I mention this because gyms are not the only option often; and exercising 
with others can be motivating.

If you will exercise alone, the rowing machine is a good piece of equipment. 
As Bill noted, it will give
you a more complete workout than a treadmill. Although, personally I believe 
the treadmill fosters more leg endurance and builds rather toned calves.
Also I feel more of a stretch in the legs as I walk on the treadmill, 
particularly as I do it slowly to warm up.

Make sure you warm up and cool down before working out. You might find 
visualization before your workout motivating.

Good luck.
Ashley
-----Original Message----- 
From: Sarah
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2012 2:29 PM
To: sportsandrec at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Sportsandrec] exercise suggestions

Good afternoon. I am totally blind and would like workout advice. I used to 
have a treadmill but sold it. My problem is I tend to get bored with 
equipment and am not always motivated enough to work out. I have had a model 
D rowing machine from concept 2 for a few years. I mostly bought it because 
it was accessible. I really am not able to afford going to a gym on a 
regular basis and really do not want to get locked in to a contract. Is 
there an iPhone app that might help motivate me? Is the rowing machine good 
equipment, or should I consider purchasing something else? I would 
appreciate any suggestions. feel free to email me off list. Thank you.
    Sarah
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