Getting back in the gym reminds me that I never regret a workout

I’m a regular at my gym. Because of transportation issues — a story for another column — I didn’t get there for about three months. Last week was my first week back. So I had to mentally prepare myself for the questions coming my way: “I haven’t seen you in a while. Is everything OK?” and others like that.

I have Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). I use a wheelchair. Poor coordination is one of my symptoms. People usually notice me working out, which is why I get questions when I lapse.

I couldn’t just be happy about being back; I had to prepare for those questions. I’ve been working out with a trainer for over 20 years. When I lapse at the gym, she faces those questions, too.

I was thrilled to be back at the gym. I’d been working out at home with the bands I bought during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the gyms were closed. However, exercising with bands doesn’t feel as effective for building muscle as using weights, at least not to me. Other sources suggest they’re just as effective as more conventional ways. Still, there’s simply more and better equipment available at the gym. Therefore, I was looking forward to a more productive workout.

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Benefits of working out

Regular physical activity helps to maintain and build muscle mass, which is crucial to combat FA-caused muscle weakness. Strengthening exercises can enhance motor control and reduce the severity of ataxia symptoms, increasing overall mobility and making daily activities easier.

Maintaining muscle mass is also vital to healthy aging. As I grow older with FA, I strive to preserve every fiber of muscle that I can. Life is easier when I’m stronger. That includes transferring in and out of my wheelchair. It’s also easier to drive and have good posture.

Beyond muscle-building, regular aerobic exercise, with the approval of a doctor, can improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart muscle, increasing circulation, and reducing the risk of heart disease. Improved cardiovascular fitness also contributes to better overall health and well-being.

My gym has a seated elliptical machine with a removable seat. The gym staff removes it for me so I can roll up. I get my cardio in my chair without having to transfer to a machine’s seat.

For people with FA, regular physical activity can help combat fatigue as well, however paradoxical that may seem. I hate fatigue! It ranks high on my list of most hated symptoms. Through exercise, we may experience increased stamina and a reduction in feeling tired. For me, though, regular workouts don’t always have a direct relationship with reduced fatigue. But they definitely help.

Sometimes, a good workout leaves me ready to binge-watch Netflix on the couch. That said, consistent exercise does provide me with more energy. My fatigue doesn’t completely vanish; it simply lessens. I strive to maintain a steady exercise routine so I can minimize feeling tired.

Regular physical activity can also help reduce anxiety and depression, providing an endorphin boost, a sense of accomplishment, and improved emotional well-being. As a 43-year veteran of FA, I can say with certainty that my mental health has benefited tremendously from exercise.

It’s essential for those with FA to collaborate with healthcare professionals to create a personalized exercise plan that suits their needs and abilities, ensuring they can safely reap the benefits of physical activity. I highly recommend working with a trainer who helps you adapt your exercise routine as FA symptoms and aging affect your abilities.

Be as healthy as you can as long as you can

When I don’t want to work out, this is my mantra: “Be as healthy as you can for as long as you can.” That usually works. When it doesn’t, I remind myself that in my 50-plus years of working out — sometimes on the mark, sometimes not at all, but always doing something — I’ve never regretted taking time out of my day to exercise.

For me, there’s something vital to my well-being in knowing that I’m doing what I can to be healthy, even though I’m closer to the end of my life than the beginning. Exercise is one aspect; I also take my prescribed medication, try to eat healthy, meditate, and more. I still have a future, and even though I share that future with FA, I want to show up as the healthiest self I can be. Not only will I enjoy my future better, but I can also be there for the people I love.

Fielding the questions is worth how good I feel when I leave the gym. Despite my complaining, I enjoy that social aspect of my workout time.

Note: Friedreich’s Ataxia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Friedreich’s Ataxia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Friedreich’s ataxia.