Skeeter, My Exercise Buddy
There's not a whole lot one can do about ataxia or many of the movement disorders beyond taking care of oneself, maintaining good nutrition, flexibility, and strength. I can't compare myself to the disabled athletes, never having been in their league. And I definitely don't aspire to that level of dedication. But, some kind of exercise is even more critical to me now than my pre–SCA days. Not only does immobility reduce muscle mass and function, but there is also that 'aging' thing going on. "Use it or lose it", they say. To that end, I depend on my Tuesday yoga friend and Earl, my personal trainer* . But I spend so much time by myself, it's easy to succumb to my minimal motivation given half a chance. There's always the excuse of safety first; no one around to hold me up or call 9-1-1, yada yada. As my ataxia took me out of the customary mobility game, a fellow runner asked me if I was resentful or jealous of my athletic friends. ...