Re:free weights?

[Guest guest]

Hi Gretchen:

Free weights are dumbells/barbells, or hand held weights. I have

read lately in many articles about fitness, that fitness professionals

emphasize that people should work out with wieghts because doing so builds

bone density in a way that a cardiovascular workout would not.

With CMT, I was often told to avoid doing too much " weight

bearing " exercise as it can be too much for our already taxed muscles and

nerves to handle and could cause the disease to progress more quickly. I

do some exercises with weights but was told by my Neurologist to avoid doing

this to the point that I feel " burning " sensations. I'm also a bit wary of

some weights because, while I have pretty big upper arm muscles, my hands

have been getting weaker and experiencing some muscle atrophy. I'd like

to be able to do arm workouts so my upper arms don't get too flabby or

" matronly " looking as described by a friend, but I don't want to put my

hands under too much strain in doing this. There may be some weight

machines that would allow me to do this. This might not be much of an

issue for you, though.

Congratulations on your aquaexcercise progress!! I've been

exercising regularly the past sixx months myself and have noticed a BIG

difference; more definition in my muscles, more endurance, less foot drop,

less flab (I havn't lost weight but I've lost inches and gained muscle), and

slgihtly better balance. My favorite means of exercise is the eliptical

machine because I can jog without ever having to worry about my feet dragging

or dropping (always pedals under them). I plan to start in the pool myself

next week (was avoiding this during the winter as it's more locker room

upkeep afterward to keep from freezing).

Good luck. I'd like to hear about whatever free weight regimen

is designed for you.

Peace, Marti