Hello every one

I thought you might like to hear of my latest venture.  As a incomplete paraplegic I am able to walk with some difficulty, sticks or crutches along with a calliper but never with ease and always with pain and some risk of falling.

I have joined Weigh****chers (7lb off in four weeks) and their latest challenge is to walk a mile and a half in a week.  Now for me this is a real challenge.  Apparently there are 2000 steps in a mile, therefore 3000 in a mile and a half.  My hall is 40 paces from end to end, therefore 80 for the round trip.  that means 37.5 trips up and down the hall in a week, or 5.5 per day for seven days.

I start tomorrow and I hope that I can manage it.  Wish me luck.

I have also increased the distance that I force myself to cycle every day on my motoMed bike from 6 to 7 kilometres in 23 minutes.  It is really hard work I have to keep a rate of 45-50 rpm and this is hardwork on my legs but I do feel like I am not only helping them to get strong but I am increasing my heart rate and giving myself a bit more of a cardiac work out which has got to help with getting my weight down.  I would add that I have had this machine for about three and a half years and it has really helped me with my legs, reducing the involuntary spasming especially in the car and also reducing the pain levels.  I am sure that it aids circulation and reduces the amount of swelling in my legs too.  A good bit of kit for anyone who has some residual leg movement to help strengthen them or for those who do not I think it will help to keep the muscles in good order by offering passive excerise.  I am not selling these ust thought my comments may be helpful.

Can anyone recommend any other equipment that will help to keep my body in good order for a longer time?  I have also got a multigym (still in the box) and hope that will help me with upper body strength.

Hope all is going well with you all and please pardon the self indulgent out burst of early.

Fifi