CST and disability

[wurishi]

I emailed clubbell.tv to ask whether their products were apropriate for people who use wheelchairs. They advised me to register and ask here.

Without going into too many details, my condition is an inneficient nervous system, resulting in poor coordination and loss of balance. Muscle strength is not affected directly -- however, due to lack of use, people often experience wasting, especially in the legs.

On top of this, a couple of years ago I had a really bad spell of reflux and put on a lot of weight. Fortunately just over a year ago some new medication was introduced and now I no longer have to constantly eat to control the physical pain. I started training, at first at home with free waits, then at my local gym, and eating healthily -- I've lost probably 80% of the weight I gained and am steadily loosing the rest, and have gained a fair amount of muscle.

I was talking to a guy recently and he mention that he has ordered the intu-flow program and has some experience with the warrior wellness program. I'm not entirely sure what all these different products are, but this guy said they integrate elements from strength training as well as yoga, tai chi, etc. This interests me as I am a psychology student and want something that works on all levels of my being, not just the physical.

Is RMAX something apropriate for me?

[Connie Brown]

I would say, absolutely yes, Intu-Flow would be a good addition for you.

I'm in a training group with a lady in a wheelchair. She has MS and her issues are muscular weakness and lack of movement in general. She loves the joint mobility and can do almost all the CB moves, and her chair is not the athletic kind. She reports that her balance and strength have improved. The main thing she wanted was more strength and confidence for transfers where she could feel like she's doing her part in that and not being an inanimate lump for her attendants.

http://www.conniesclubbellcafe.com/sg_patio.jpg

video: group swinging (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xykbdpbab.0.0.lno575aab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.conniesclubbellcafe.com%2Fsg_sw ings2.AVI)

What Intu-flow teaches is range of motion and coordination (flow) for all the joints, then adding weight on that improved range of motion with mini-CBs. Because of how it integrates movement with the central nervous system there's also a strong mind-body effect. There turns out to be a lot you can do in a chair.

[JasonE]

Gavin -

CST has been used to improve the physical/mental status of many people. One article that you may be particularly interested in is:

http://www.circularstrengthmag.com/18/krista1.html

From what you've said, the Intu-Flow package would be the best way to get started. Perusing these forums and CST Magazine will turn up a wealth of info for you to chew on. Click the "Articles" link in my signature to start your info search. :)

Side note: Forum rules require that your signature line also include your last name. Thanks!

[Randell Waddell]

Is RMAX something apropriate for me?


Emphatically YES !!!!!!

With the psych background also, I am particularly interested in your journeys and insights as you explore.

Cheers
Randell. :D :D :D

PS.
Where do you live ?????

[wurishi]

Thanks for that video, Connie. I noticed that the lady in a wheelchair had to stop after a while. That might be because of her condition for all I know, but I've found that while people who use manual wheelchairs (due to poor balance I use a manual at home, but electric outside) often have big arms, it's a limited sort of strength, like someone who has trained on a pulley machine doing one sort of exercise over and over again targeting the same limited area. I found when I started training that I was good at some exercises but terrible at others.

I am well aware that training cannot cure my condition, but I can make improvements that make my life easier. Morre muscle improves my coordination and makes transfering easier. And with a healthier diet I've been able to cut my stomach medication from 40mg to 20mg. I'm also exploring various supplements to see which ones help, particularly the ones involved in cell energy, like Coq10 and acetyl-L-carnitine. Basically I'm taking my health into my own hands rather than leaving it to my doctor, who is happy just to say there's no cure and make no other useful suggestions.

[wurishi]

PS. Where do you live ?????
Nottingham, UK.

[Connie Brown]

Yes, very observant Gavin. One of the things she likes about CST is that it's an opportunity to do something pleasurable that's not just about rolling the chair. Her "gas tank" of conditioning is small and that's one of the things she's working on. That video was taken for fun at the end of a session. Typically we do WW and then a little swinging.

I applaud your taking matters into your own hands. ! so does my friend and it makes all the difference if you ask me. She used to be a dancer and so can look with an educated eye at what's happening, as it sounds you do too.

[Peter Mitchell]

I applaud your taking matters into your own hands.

I second that! Too often people fatalistically let their GP or Specialist dictate the terms or level of health... these professionals are great resources, but not always proactive ones! As Connie said, taking responsiblity for your own wellness makes all the difference.

Which ever CST route you feel works best for you, please post your progress for us.

Be well...

[JasonE]

Basically I'm taking my health into my own hands rather than leaving it to my doctor, who is happy just to say there's no cure and make no other useful suggestions.

THIS is what will make the difference between feeling like a victim or feeling like yourself. You have taken responsibility, started educating yourself and become an active participant guiding the progress of your recovery.

As you should be. :wink:

FANTASTIC! :D