It is only recently, in 2016, that my neurologist told me that my cerebellum was atrophied. Just like my grandfather, my mother and one of my aunts before me, I have Cerebellar Ataxia, a degenerative neuromuscular disease. I had always been an active person, always seeking for a way to use up my energy ... jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, skiing, it was critical to my life! Since I got the verdict, I need to learn to slow down. Of course, I would be lying if I were to say that it’s always easy. I do not need to tell you that I often need to kick myself to go forward.
When Physical Activity Becomes Salutary
My husband is the one who decided to register the whole family to Énergie Cardio. When I first started, I did not have any goals; my moral was at its lowest because of my illness. However, as I started going more often, my will to win this battle became clearer and clearer. My goals? Develop my muscle strength and lose fat. My biggest challenges? Cardiovascular exercises and the stationary bike, I see all the colours of the rainbow whenever I do either one of those! Despite the fact that I keep losing my balance, I never quit, I continue walking on the treadmill firmly grasping the side handles. My will and my hanger are my best allies.
Motivating Results
Today, after eight months of doing cardio and muscle training, I feel like I am coming back to life. I lost fat and gained muscle mass, but above all, I am more confident than before. I am aware that physical activity will not cure me, I am under no illusion about that, but I know that above the physical benefits, physical activity helps healing my soul. The disease might very well be settling in, I will continue being active for as long as I can. I would like to thank our personal trainer, Jean-Nicolas Desrosiers, from the Saint-Hubert Énergie Cardio, who is a tremendous source of motivation and support.
