I'm Ready To Be Challenged!

Writing my first blog post here, and I actually have a confession to make… I haven't been to an actual gym in over a year. Yes, I know. Since rolling into a gym, I've done inconsistent home workouts and physical therapy sessions. But all that is about to change as I’m now the newest Champion to join Mito-POWER gym!

Let me introduce myself, I’m Adriana, I’m 23-years-old and I’m from Long Island, NY. I have a neuromuscular condition, Friedreich’s Ataxia, and am wheelchair-bound. Despite the challenges this disability has given me, I still went away, lived independently and graduated from Marist College in 2022. 

Two years later and I’m living at home while I work part-time and do the things I enjoy the most: reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends. What? Were you expecting me to also say “exercising?” It’s not that I don’t like to exercise, I actually feel great when I do! 

Due to both PT and Skyclarys (the first FDA approved drug treatment for FA), there has been slight improvement in my physical strength. I don’t think I would be able to see any improvement in the medication though if it weren’t for exercise. Often, I have gone to PT sessions and noticed my progress in exercises I couldn't do before. 

PT has unfortunately been inconsistent so now imagine if I was working out twice or three times a week with a trainer at the gym…maybe I could be looking at more improvement!

So why haven’t I just gone to the gym myself? I used to. A lot in college actually. But I grew very self-conscious using and transferring onto workout machines myself. Whether or not people were looking at me, I felt so embarrassed because of the difficulty I had. That’s when I opted to stay home to exercise.

I'm not challenged enough physically right now because I stick to the same exercise routines at home. I do the things I know, whether that’s doing bicep curls with dumbbells or leg stretches with a resistance band. This is why I am so excited about the program and having a trainer… I am ready to be challenged! FINALLY!!

Hopefully this program will give me more confidence at the gym! It might even help me in writing as well, as this may not be the last time you’ll hear from me! So for now I’ll leave you with this: I have my own Motivational & Disability blog called PositivelyAdri, in which I share my journey with FA and just life in general. Check it out by clicking on the link if you’d like!

I am super excited to be a part of the gym program and in support of a great foundation. I’m ready for you Mito-POWER Gym!!!