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Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Full History - 2020 - 09 - 10 - ID#iqi7k1
6
Working Out with Low Vision (self.Blind)
submitted by [deleted]
[deleted]
DrillInstructorJan 2 points 2y ago
It sounds like I'm lucky, my local gym are lovely and things are set up in a way that is workable. I currently have a buddy who I'm sort of mentoring and sort of just hanging out with who has RP and she's more into running and that works too. I also have a very generous running partner who is willing to put up with my running speed, which is pretty bad for her as she's eight inches taller than me, but there you go.

This is where I put my drill instructor hat on and start shouting because you really do have to stay in shape. The one thing I was always terrified of becoming was an overweight cripple (sorry people but if you've ever had sight you know what it looks like). I'm not very tall so if I put on weight I look terrible. It's not so much about vanity it's about the health concerns but honestly, there are enough reasons for people to write you off if you have bad sight and you do not want a heart condition and type 2 diabetes to add to your troubles. You can do the gym, you can do running if you can find a buddy, and my buddy tells me that going out with me is good motivation for her too. There's nothing like making a date with someone to do something, to make you do it. We run in the burning sun and the pouring rain and we just deal with it.

The only issue we have is that my running partner cannot deal with having a blind woman on either side so the buddy I'm mentoring has to find her own running partner. If you are in a position where you have or are likely to lose a bunch of sight then that is not a great situation and nobody would wish it on their worst enemy, but yes, you can stay in shape. For what it's worth my personal best 5K time is 25 minutes dead, and I'm a 41 year old five foot tall woman.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 2y ago
[removed]
DrillInstructorJan 2 points 2y ago
Thanks but to be fair that was being dragged around by my running buddy who is ex military and takes everything super seriously. I basically fell over on the finishing line and they took me home in a bucket!
ukifrit 2 points 2y ago
I can't onderstand you. I mean, losing sight is depressing for various reasons. Did you quit the gym because of that?
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 2y ago
[removed]
ukifrit 1 points 2y ago
ok, now I see some sense. You remember you can feel it right? Not just by touching it.
Envrin 2 points 2y ago
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We have a weight set in the garage, but I'm just really not a weights type of guy.

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I'm the type of guy that likes to go for a nice long jog / walk for 30km+ all day long, stopping at various cafes along the way to get some work done on my laptop. Now that I'm blind though, that's obviously out the window.

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Looking forward to moving back to SE Asia, as plan on renting a house with a private swimming pool. I think for overall general exercise, swimming is a great fit for blind folks, especially if it's in a private pool.

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Any why would you get down votes for this? It's a completely legit question. You sound like you need one of these... \*hug\*. Hope you feel better soon.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 2y ago
[deleted]
lutrinalle 1 points 2y ago
i also have RP and realised in the last couple years my vision has declined too much for team sports, but any kind of solo exercise is perfect for me! i generally like the gym and much prefer cardio machines (if i ever actually went) as i generally only want to exercise to stay healthy, not gain any kind of muscle. if you want something slightly different tho, I also found badminton okay as as long as you see what kind of direction the other person hit the shuttle, you can work out where it'll go and where you want to swing the racket. you could also go for walks, they are a great way to stay fit without being too strenuous or worrying about others too much

edit: for motivation, i can't help on gym exercise front as i never go, but for walks etc. I just go when I feel like it, or i make a specific plan to do it and plan it into my day, because then i have to go and do it.
Amonwilde 1 points 2y ago
Just go back to the gym. You haven't been diagnosed with cancer. If making the most of your vision means eating a lot and not working out, maybe forget your vision and just do what makes sense.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 2y ago
[deleted]
IronDominion 1 points 2y ago
I’ve found that you have to pick and chose your battles when it comes to this. It’s next to impossible to work out without sighted assistance In public gyms, due to the inaccessibility of it all, and some sports are a no-go too. From my experience, it’s not too bad if you have a decent amount of functional vision. Knowing what your doing and not needing to be taught exercises is a big help too.
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