Exercise and Physiotherapy
Don't wish for it, Work for it!
Exercise
Along with diet, exercise and physio is another important factor when being diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. Doing exercise and activities is important as it can help to prevent muscle weakness caused by inactivity, helps to improve balance (reduce risk of falling), maintain muscle strength and independence and helps improve your mood, quality of life and fatigue. I have noticed that if I don't exercise often my muscles become very weak very quickly, and what i have found is that i actually gain strength in my muscles if I do it regularly. Cardio however is a real struggle if I'm honest but i try and do a bit every time i go.
During my time in primary and secondary school and collage, I was able to forfeit P.E as I did not have the strength to keep up with the other students so the school incorporated a physiotherapy lesson instead. During this time, I was able to still exercise and work on my muscles.
When I left education, I found it hard to do a lot of exercise as i would mostly do it from home in my room. I found it difficult as i felt i didn't push myself and some days I didn't have the motivation to do any exercise. This is then we decided to join a gym.
Joining the gym
When joining the gym the first time was overwhelming , but as i looked at all the different types of machines equipment, a wave of excitement hit me. I got shown around by an instructor and was told the best suitable machines and equipment to use to start off with. When I finally got the hang around the gym and the machines I know what I can and couldn't use.
To start off with my workouts, I gravitated towards the cardio machines. This includes things like the treadmills,, and stationary bikes as I could control the pace, intensity, and duration, making them a perfect starting point for building up my stamina and endurance. Plus, this provided me a great starting point to help know where i need to start and work toward, i find these machines very hard work due to the lack of energy but something is better than nothing even if i only get on for 5 or 10 mins.
I would often use the resistance machines. These machines help me target specific muscle groups without the fear of dropping weights on my toes. They became my go-to for building muscle strength while minimizing the risk of embarrassing myself.
My reflection on my gym journey
As I reflect on my initial struggles and triumphs at the gym, I've come to realize that every drop of sweat and shaky legs is a step forward. It's not about comparing myself to others, but celebrating my progress, no matter how small. Every day I go is an opportunity to challenge myself, learn something new, and grow stronger – both physically and mentally.
So, to all the gym noobs out there feeling lost in the gym jungle, remember that it's okay to start small, ask for help, and embrace the journey at your own pace. Remember, everyone starts as a beginner. The key is to keep showing up, pushing your limits, and most importantly, having fun along the way. Who knows, maybe one day we'll look back at these struggles and laugh, proud of how far we've come!