I tried Yoga but I have problems with right/left, up/down, backward/forward, etc and the instructor got really mad at me because I couldn't follow his instructions. I diligently went to class for 2 years while the instructor picked on me. He would have the class stop and look at me as an example of how "not" to do the poses. Don't know why I took his abuse for so long, yes I do, I have AS. Someone had to take me aside and explain that I was being made fun of. I'm sure there are some great Yoga instructors out there but this guy wasn't one of them. Had similar problems with group exercise. I would be going right while the rest of the class was going left.
I have depth perception, peripheral and other vision issues. Team sports didn't work for me. I kept missing the volleyball, softball, etc. And I would space out when the sounds got too loud. I also look at the person's hand if they point and not what they are pointing at. Got yelled at a lot.
Tried swimming but am allergic to the chlorine.
Only thing I was successful at was running on smooth surfaces. Did great running for track team but they wanted me to diversify and I couldn't. Ran on groomed trails away from traffic as an adult until I developed arthritis. Switched to walking or hiking on paved or groomed trails. I trip over uneven surfaces. I use earplugs and wear an air purifier on a cord around my neck. Fumes from cars make me sick. Even tried mall walking. It was fun. I didn't have to talk to people, I just nodded as I went by them or just did my thing and ignored them.
Currently I work out in a fitness room at my apartment complex at odd hours so that no one has the TV or music blaring. Went there at 5:15 AM today. I got management to take out the horrible air freshener. I work out at least an hour a day using elliptical and recumbent bike. Has done wonders for arthritis in my knees and ankles.
15 Jan 2009, 11:34 am
