Whole Body Challenge report May 21

A most remarkable day! I reached my goal of 3 sets of 10 leg lifts!

I had given up on making the goal, but some of you said I would make it, somehow, and I did!  Perhaps the day of rest yesterday helped my muscles recover, or perhaps my increasing the Gel a little helped also.

It is encouraging to be able to transfer from the power chair to the leg bench by myself.     This was to document my increase in mobility and that I have gained some independence.

Betty was filming, not standing by as “spotter” or to help.  When I first started transferring to the bench, my male helper had to give me a little boost.

Did 20 leg presses!  Walking was 120 ft, and my weight is holding at 134 lbs.

I went 60 steps on the stepper, which is more than the usual daily amount.

I am elated to have made the leg lift goal, especially after thinking it was impossible!

Check back next week for the conclusion of the Challenge contest.

Whole Body Challenge report – 5/15

 This week I see progress in the little things.  I “tested” myself doing squats.   I did 18, a new record.  My goal is 25, so there is hope I’ll make that goal. 

The video features one of my upper body exercises.  I start with this exercise, pulling with the triceps and muscles in the shoulder girdle.  I do one set with my palms up, and one set with my palms down, to get different muscles in the upper arm engaged.

Today on the weekly measuring/picture day, I again did all the exercises in my routine.  We walked 180 ft for the second day.  That is more than half the distance of my goal of 300 ft, so a little bit of progress.

My weight settled at 134 lb, down a bit, but still in the range to make my goal of 135 lb

Whole Body Challenge Report May 8, 2020

It is encouraging to see my exercise log sheet getting checked off again. We are glad to have the SomaDerm Gel again!

Featured this week was my leg “firm up” of standing and moving my right leg side-to-side, and squats at the sink.

Most of my side-to-side moves are the right leg, because when I was paralyzed by the virus in my spine fluids back in 1950, it was the right size that was most affected.  My right side is therefore weaker.  The weakness on the right side affects walking, and, of course, using the gas pedal when driving.

I’ve maintained strength to do 3 sets of 5 leg lifts, and back to 20 reps on the leg press machine.

My weight is holding at 135 lbs, which is good.

Generally, I feel I am making transfers to and from the power chair more easily and with more confidence. 

Betty took a picture of me getting some sun out in our driveway.  Good to get some fresh air and vitamin D!