Post by Pony on Jul 8, 2014 16:24:11 GMT -5
Essence of the Athlete
I always feel that movement is good, despite my lack of it, like running a basketball court, or diving from a diving board. I’ve heard about studies that backup this by reporting a high risk of Cancer for people that sit a lot, and of course we all know it’s better to have a heart that’s gets a cardiovascular workout.
No denying it, I sit a crazy amount of hours during a typical day. i really don’t know how my ass has been able to handle the pressure day in and day out. However, I do everything to change positioning of legs and body as much as possible. It’s very difficult to get a cardio-workout, just not enough muscles in play to require a good heart-pounding.
I knew from the beginning I’d have to find unconventional ways to workout, or obtain that wore out feeling I crave frequently. Any athlete knows what I’m talking about. Before, when I was on my feet, I’d go for a run, or hit tennis balls, or practicing jump shots to satisfy the urge.
The chair is my workout tool now, but really it’s very hard for me to achieve that desired feeling with it because I’m missing use of so much of my arm movement. I do, however, use my strength of upper arms, really only shoulders, to feel physically powerful. Regardless, it doesn’t stop me from working out. Each day I find some time to perform exercises for my arms, 30 repetitions at a time, and maybe 3-4 sets. It does give me that workout feeling, in spite of the fact that no other muscles are taking part. Not receiving impulses from the brain means paralyzed, therefore, not moving voluntarily.
Now, I do get muscle spasms that can contract muscles- clinching hands, sudden explosive contractions that squeeze my abdomen extremely tight and legs kicking with a violent outburst, but that’s only in bed, or if I’ve gone too long without a muscle relaxant.
Still, my arms damn near look normal. Well, not really to me, but they are muscular and defined perfectly up top. Many times I’m mistaken as a paraplegic because I look strong. I wear tank tops a lot for three reasons: 1. It’s really hot in Florida. 2. They are the most comfortable thing to wear- almost like nothing. 3. My arms are a point of pride. My shoulders are my engines of freedom. They’ve worked hard to look good and whatever independence I have depends on them. In short, they are my badge of honor.
Luckily, I’ve been able to maintain a certain amount of good health since the wreck that paralyzed me so many years ago, but it does come with a price, like everything. Most days my shoulders are in pain, even in bed my shoulder joints, and nerve endings on the back of arm nag at me with pain and stiffness. I fight through the pain. Again, it’s a badge of honor. Without this pain I never would have made it 34 years post injury. A triathlete feels great pain and exhaustion during a race. I’m an athlete, too. My race never ends. Endurance is my finest trait, and I plan on running until I can’t anymore.
To live and love is worth the pain, struggle and frustration that comes with this quadriplegic territory.
Am I still an athlete? Yes, I think so.
