Julian’s Progress

It has been some time since my last posting, but that doesn’t mean I have not been improving. Actually, my workouts at the YMCA continue to bear fruit. I have now started walking around the 125 m track on the third floor, about once a week. I can do one lap in about 2’45″, using only my canes.

On the second lap, I walk without any visible sign of support, but Vittia, a volunteer who is studying kinesiology (and using me as a test subject, I think), walks beside me ready to grab me by a special belt, if I should start losing my balance. I can’t post pictures here, because they do not allow any photos to be taken in the gym.

I am able to climb to the third floor, but by the time I get there I am a little winded. My endurance, though, continues to improve. I try to get to the Y at least twice a week, and most weeks three times. In addition to walking around the track, I also use their TechnoGym, which has computerized training equipment. In addition to strengthening my various muscles, I can now use the treadmill for 18 minutes, and the stationary bicycle for 9 minutes. I am actually also losing some weight, and have come down a pant size.

Every year, the YMCA publishes, in its annual report, some stories of people whose lives have been changed by their experience at the Y. This past year they chose me as one of their “poster boys”. Here is the photo they used in the annual report:

With me is Helen, the kinesiologist who has designed the training program for me. She is responsible for looking after “special populations” which includes people like me who have various specific training needs based on their medical condition. The Annual Report is here, and you can read the little article they wrote about me on pages 10 and 11.