Page 20 - Joliet Park District Winter/Spring 2016 Programs

#Inspiration at Presence Inwood Athletic Club
“Life is better when you feel better, and exercising has absolutely improved my quality of life while living with Parkinson’s”
In January of 2007 came a diagnosis that would change my life forever. At the young age of 38,
I was told I have Young Onset Parkinson’s. With no prevalent family history of the disease, I was in shock. At the time, I was 9 years into a great career as a Firefighter Paramedic. Fortunately, I received ample support from my fire department and was able to stay on the job until August
of 2014, at which time I was given a medical retirement. I was feeling low, throwing a pity party, and was told by my Neurologist to get into a
gym and exercise So, my wife gave me a 3 month membership to Presence Inwood Athletic Club.
I used to swim in high school, so I thought I’d
try the pool. I quickly found out I lacked the motivation to get to the gym by myself.As fate would have it, my sister wanted to swim and
spin, so we started going 3-4 times a week. I eventually signed up as a full yearly member. I started to love swimming again so much that I joined the Blue Tides Masters Swim Team, and competed in the Illinois State Meet. Somewhere in the mix, my sister attended a Body PumpTM class and encouraged me to try it. I was skeptical at first that this class, using light weights, could have an impact on me. BOY was I WRONG! Not only
is Body PumpTM a GREAT work out for any level participant, It’s also a lot of fun with awesome instructors.
Now, my Parkinson’s is not cured (or curable at this time), but the exercise I am doing is getting my attitude and body on the same level of improvement. I’m forming new friendships in the pool and in classes. My body is stronger and I’m able to fight off the symptoms of my disease. Mainly, my movement (stiffness) and balance has improved. I’m able to participate more with my kid’s activities, and that means the world to me. Life is better when you feel better, and exercising has absolutely improved my quality of life while living with Parkinson’s.
Do you have a Presence Inwood Athletic Club transformation, success or inspirational story that you would like to share with our members on our social media sites? Contact Carrie at canderson@jolietpark.org for more information.
20 • Fitness