- What is your motivation to “Move and Improve”?
My motivation to move and improve is multi-layered. I have rheumatoid arthritis and doing nothing is not an option. When I was diagnosed with RA I was told that I can wallow in self-pity and my disease will progress rapidly or I can get up in the morning, put my feet on the floor and not let my disease control me. I am on medications that can cause me to feel awful some days. I am still young and I have a family history of lots of chronic illness. But I simply said “NOT ME.” To my disease I say “YOU WILL NOT WIN!”
- What is your biggest obstacle to “Move and Improve”?
My biggest obstacle is my disease and some days, myself. It is painful on some days and when I want to just not do anything I make myself get up and go. Activities that are low impact for joints are also hard to find.
- What kind of activities do you engage in to reach your goal?
I walk at least three or four times a week and have recently found a great class called Water Zumba offered at the Old Town/Orono YMCA. It is so much fun and it takes all those bone-pounding movements and makes them easier to accomplish without irritating my RA. As the weather improves, I will also start riding my bicycle. Exercise has helped so much. I would recommend it to anyone who has the same issues!