I am certain some of you are tired of hearing about my exercise program. Yes, I am an advocate and feel it is my calling to get out the word ... EXERCISE IS GOOD. I have heard from several readers about their experiences with the "Smart Exercise Guide – Part II." It is always heartening to hear about the successes of the program. I am up to 1½ hours of exercise every Monday-Wednesday-Friday. I also have a short exercise routine of twenty minutes I do on the in-between days. I am using weights for every arm and shoulder exercise. I have increased my reps to a point where I could still do more, but now feel five to seven routines of 10-20 reps (depending upon the exercise) is enough. I no longer have any aches or pain associated with the program. I feel great after each long program (those good old endorphins pumping through the brain).
In May, the following was posted. "I started using your new exercise program this past Monday. I am doing only the daily exercises right now and complete them in about 10 minutes (so you know the amount of reps I can do are very few).
My schedule for now is Monday & Tuesday, Wednesday break, Thursday & Friday, Weekend break.
Because I am just starting, I am still very weak, but the benefit for me right now is, "I am doing something!" So often, I feel like a helpless victim to SBMA. But with the exercise program, I have a sense of control and I love that feeling."
Then in mid-June, the following update was posted. "I have been using the exercise program for a month now. I am still only doing the daily exercises, but I have increased the number of reps by at least 50% and have double the reps of a couple of exercises. I have also increased my frequency to 5 days/week.
The most exciting thing for me? I can now take 2-3 trips down the hallway (doing the walking) without my cane and I can even stride out a little (not just heel, toe).
Also, the throat exercises have helped reduce choking when eating/drinking and strengthened my singing voice (I love to sing hymns at church on Sundays) though I am still not ready to try out for the choir.
I'm excited."
This week, the following update was posted. "I cannot tell you how excited I am about exercise. BKD (Before KD) I invested hundreds of dollars into exercise bikes, weight benches, etc. and would work out for a couple of months with little to no success. I mentioned a few days ago that I had increased the number of reps and frequency of the daily exercises.
Well, today, I added additional exercises from the smart guide and exercised for 45 minutes. I feel great! And so excited! Where I once dreaded exercise, I now look forward to it.
Thanks Bruce for all you do to help us."
- I am doing something to maintain my overall health.
- I have the discipline to make exercise a regular routine.
- I am getting stronger.
- Look at me, I can now do ...
- I feel great!
If any other reader is exercising, please let me know your experiences ... both good and bad. We can all learn from other's experiences.
Bruce, I don't know where you find all of the pictures you include in your blog, but they are terrific : ) Wtg Jim!
ReplyDeleteJim, thank you. Google is the place and it often takes a little longer than I would like to find something interesting that fits the topic or will create additional interest in reading the article.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the Smart Exercise Programé I am curious because it seems so interesting, and I am looking for an exercise program. Most dont have long term structure, and I stop after a few weeks-but maybe not with the smart exercise program-
ReplyDeleteMonika, The "Smart Exercise Guide - Part II" (follow the link below) contains 35 exercises recommended by a certified Physical Therapist. This guide has specific exercises for those who are wheelchair bound and for those who are experiencing some problems walking with a cane or walker. Many of the exercises have different difficulty levels to ensure they benefit more people. Once a person gains more strength and confidence, he can move to a more difficult level. The author has personally performed all of these exercises and found them to be very helpful in maintaining and improving his strength and balance as well as providing him with improved self-confidence.
ReplyDeleteThe PDF can be downloaded by following the link below.
KD Smart Exercise Guide Part II (http://www.kennedysdisease.org/KD%20Smart%20Exercise%20Guide%20-%20Part%20II%20-%20Physical%20Therapist%20Recommendations.pdf)
Bruce,
ReplyDeleteI think you will be interested to know that at my first visit to PT at a small hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand they are using your exercise program. I am the first patient that they have seen with Kennedy's and with no experience they downloaded your package and started me on it. The Therapist is very excited to be able to treat a Kennedy's patient.
I have had symptoms for 15 years and been seeking a diagnosis in many places. I have led an active life with many interests however I found that I couldn't keep up and have had to slow down to a crawl with lots of rest. Have been up on ladders all along but fallen twice. I am 70 years old. Finally at this small hospital a young neurologist thinks she knows what I have. She can't answer many questions however.
They do no gene testing or sophisticated blood tests here. I am going to Bangkok next month, where they do send out specimens for testing.
Thanks for your contribution.