The Power of Spin Classes
Have you ever had to run for your life? I have—more than once. Every Thursday morning, I join a spin class at our local Y. Although the class isn’t specifically for people with Parkinson’s, the benefits I feel for hours afterward are remarkable.
I didn’t start attending these classes until a few years after my diagnosis in 2015. Interestingly, I hadn’t ridden a bike in years, even though my husband, John, and I spent the first year of our marriage cycling around the world.
Adventures on Two Wheels
When John and I set off on our trip, we received plenty of advice. One of the most memorable tips was to steer clear of dogs and monkeys to avoid potential bites and the terrifying prospect of rabies shots. So, there we were in Bali, cycling uphill through a monkey forest.
Suddenly, I noticed monkeys approaching the road. These macaques, weighing up to 18 pounds, seemed huge, especially when they started charging at us with bared teeth. John sped ahead, leaving me to face the threat alone, which forced me to pedal faster than I ever had before.
Unexpected Pursuits
A few months later, we were cycling through Turkey on a long, flat road with a tailwind, making great time. Feeling fatigued, I suggested we slow down, but just as John agreed, two enormous dogs appeared and began chasing us. Speeding up was our only option as these fearsome dogs pursued us for 20 minutes.
John kept glancing back and warning me, “They’re gaining on you!” I pushed myself harder, feeling my life depended on it.
Drawing Strength from the Past
This morning’s spin class included hill training and sprints, pushing me to my limits. I wanted to slow down, but I remembered those intense encounters with monkeys and dogs before Parkinson’s became a part of my life. Recalling those experiences reminded me that I’ve overcome challenges before and can do so again now.
I’m not suggesting that I can outrun Parkinson’s, but I hope it will take a while to catch me.