Week 1

Tuesday, April 2nd

First day of my senior project!!! Due to the Thursday-block schedule, I only had one block to work on my project. I went to one of the gyms I will be doing my project at, and officially received my sign-in card! I took the time to explore the gym and look at what options it has: treadmills, yoga room, elliptical, weights, stairs, and so much more. At first, it seemed somewhat overwhelming -- I had no idea how to work the majority of the machines and have never been in a real gym (one not designated specifically to physical therapy). Watching tens of members working out was also intimidating, as they were showing off their slim-fit bodies on the treadmill or their jacked muscles while doing bench presses. But, I decided to put my nerves to the side and got right into it! I went on the treadmill for twenty-five minutes, before it was time for me to go back to school. I left the day somewhat nervous but also excited for what was to come--ready to put my past of inability behind me.

Wednesday, April 3rd

Wednesday--the day of the gym. I started my morning by meeting with my amazing outside mentor, Robin Sheean! After meeting her at her gym, the Sweatshop, we talked about my conditions and past medical history. I've been breaking and dislocating bones since the third grade, limiting my ability to be active. By sixth grade, I could no longer participate in gym class and by high school, I was removed from all sports; as I could no longer play what I loved, I decided school would become my new sport, and I worked to be my own varsity captain. Due to the years of passive activity, I was nervous going into this. However, Robin and I talked, setting boundaries but also ready to push my limits (in a safe way). To start, I did lunges while holding onto two yellow bars for support (picture of bars are below). Here, I did two sets of eight on each leg. Interestingly enough, I found I have more confidence and strength in my left leg, rather than my right, even though my left has been injured more frequently; after my right leg having to take over for over six years, the damage it suffered is apparent. One thing I noticed while doing this (other than realizing how fast my heart was pounding), was the hyperextension of my ankles--a side-effect of connective tissue disorders. Robin and I agreed hyperextension will be something I have to be aware of, as it can be dangerous. It was interesting when she pointed it out, though, as I never realized I was hyperextending--to me, flexibility is normal and I never realized that my ankles, like my knees, fingers, and wrists, also did it.

Following this, I took part in more exercises. I did clam shells (lying on the ground on my side, legs together, yellow Thera Band around my knees, and separating my legs against the resistance band), core training (lying on my back, legs in the air, letting them down to a certain degree and holding for a count of eight), and more.

I have a short video of me doing a "ladder" of wall push ups. Since my body cannot support my full weight, I did wall push ups and alternated with tri-press offs. I promise you, even if it does not look challenging, it was!

After our session, I went to another gym and decided to switch off from strength-based exercises to cardio based ones. I went on the treadmill, working my way up from a speed of 1.8 to 2.1 mph, making sure to pace myself and not overexert anything. Following this, I did some more work with Thera Bands, working on my strength. One thing I will have to be conscious of is how my body feels; if I'm going to the gym almost every day, I need to be sure I take care of my body so it can repair. In the interest of this, I am going to bed at 10:00 (the sleep-deprived teenager cheers, yay!), as muscles only repair during sleep--and no, watching Netflix on the couch does not count as true rest.

Friday, April 5th

Today was wild and honestly, somewhat empowering. I began my day in the LMC during the first period, going down the rabbit hole of connective tissue disorders on Google, reading about it on WebMD and Cedars-Sinai. There are so many different types, all with various complications and serious life-impacts. Reading about ones such as Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) reminds me of how lucky I am to have what I have, as things could always be worse. EB is an inherited disorder, characterized by fragile skin that tears easily from minimal contact (Ex. friction of clothing could cause the skin to tear).

Following this, I later attended the gym. I began by doing some more work with the resistance band, doing side steps (band goes slightly below the knee while taking steps to the side, slowly to ensure the activation of the quads) and even some monster walks (band goes slightly below the knee, the patient takes diagonal steps forward, ensuring the activation of quad muscles). Following several sets, I decided to try going on the stationary bike. Several minutes into it, I could sense some instability in my hips, so I proceeded to get off and rest my body for a few minutes, allowing it to catch up and recover. I think the stationary bike will be something I work up to, and am just not quite ready to do -- the angle it puts my hips at was odd and combined with preexisting weakness and flexibility in the hips, I've decided the bike is not the greatest idea for now.

Next week, I will be attending the Spain trip with the school (yay!). I don't know what I was thinking, as it is so much walking, but I am so excited I decided to do it; it will be a great opportunity to practice Spanish, meet new people, open my mind, learn about new cultures, and make lasting memories. However, as I said before, walking will be a major component. In light of this and wanting to build endurance, I decided to go on the treadmill. At first, I was set on doing twenty minutes, but after seeing I went to twenty-one minutes, my logic reasoned that I might as well go to thirty minutes. Once I hit thirty minutes, I was ecstatic, as I truly have never walked so long on a treadmill in years. And, I didn't even feel that bad, but rather excited! So, I kept going, reaching a grand total of forty-eight minutes. I was shocked and delighted to see my body's ability to go so long walking, unfamiliar with doing extended physical activity without tiring quickly. I was completely safe doing this, listening to my body and stopping when I felt necessary. Having this experience only further encouraged me, confirming my ability to have fun and be successful on the trip and in college. I think endurance is key, especially should I attend a hilly campus for college. Knowing I could accomplish this was amazing--now, I am motivated to get stronger and build greater endurance, making the experience easier.