I am 46 years old. I have had Multiple Sclerosis since 1987 so I am in my 23rd year. My disability is my lower extremities. I have been with Catalyst Fitness since it's inception and with Chris Cooper for 6 years in October. I have been a fitness club member for twenty two years. Before me being diagnosed with MS I was very active in any sport that was available to me. My favourite was softball and basketball. Six years ago my workouts were uneventful, I was bored and tired of doing to what I have to stay strong and co-ordinated. I found my workouts to be harder and harder to get though. Though another of one of Chris's clients I made contact with Chris. I wanted him to do my thinking for me. I did not want to think of creating my own workouts any longer, I was mentally exhausted. Chris provided different workouts on a weekly basis for me, all I had to was JUST DO IT!!. If I am paying to get the program and paying for a gym membership I will do it. Chris has brought out challenges for me that I did not think I would ever complete. The result is I MET AND ACCOMPLISHED EACH AND EVERY CHALLENGE so far even though recovery is a little longer than I like. My co-cordination, timing and strength have to find it's way back to my normal state. For some reason when I complete my challenge I seem to think that I can do even better. Yes Chris hears my complaints (nagging) but I still do what he wants at times he will give in to a compromise and alter an exercise. Cross Fit gives me the variety of workouts as well the extreme challenge that by the end of the workout, all I can say is wow I did it. My workouts depends 100% on technique and if my lower extremities legs, knees and/or co-ordination is off in any way it makes my workout even more difficult. When this haappens I am not satisfied. Fustration sets in because I know I can do better. Sometime I just have to wait for the next day. Chris has brought me through the great days and the hard days of my physical being. I consider myself to be hard headed, determined and selfish to let MS take over me and I won't let that happen. So far it worked. Going to the fitness club is a social thing for me as well due to many people that I met and know, I always look forward to talking with them each time I go and workout. My favourite is ending my program riding the stationary bike and talking with people as they come in and as they go out. I always say the best part of the working out is ending with a hot shower. Now I can say my work out is done.After 23 years I know that Fitness, my job (Fed. Gov. Office Clerk), and mental stability is the right RX for me. I am able to work, travel and spend my time the way I want, I have no problem the way my life goes. By the way, having the right people, friends and family makes it easier as well.
Pam has competed at Fight On Friday (April,) Baseline Week (May), and done most of the named CrossFit WODs on her own. Her lack of deterioration continues to surprise her doctors in London.
Keep rockin’ Pam! Thanks for sharing your story. It’s just what I needed to read to start my day the right way: focused on fitness and long term health.
Cheers,
Greg