BlindAlive.com

Accessible Fitness, more choices for more people

Fitness has always been a concern with regard to both mental and physical health regardless of age, gender, or any other variables that make each one of us unique. And for those in the blind community, fitness is every bit as much—if not more—important.

Exercise for the visually impaired is something that should be incorporated into a weekly, if not daily, routine for a variety of reasons that are both similar and different from people within the sighted community. For those with total loss of sight as well as for those who are low sighted, a lack of regular exercise can bring on a host of other issues, including weight gain, sluggishness, and perhaps worst of all for many, insomnia or a circadian rhythm that has been thrown completely off track.

A quality workout done at the right time of day and at the right pace to meet your unique physical and mental needs is just what the doctor may have forgotten to order. For many blind people, fitness has been a challenge: without someone to guide you and without the ability to drive yourself to the gym, it becomes obvious why so many visually impaired individuals give up—but with the BlindAlive line of Fitness Workouts for blind people, you’ll never have to depend on anyone else again.

Yoga and Strength Training with wieghts for blind people along with a variety of other cardiovascular exercises help our bodies stay toned, help us gain muscle mass and lose weight, but most of all, can help lead a blind person away from a sense of helplessness.

Are you ready to sweat? Come get healthy and leave all your notions of not being able to get fit due to your visual impairment behind with BlindAlive!

“Blind Leading The Blind?” Or Is It the Blind Leading The Unblind?

November 17, 2014  /  Mel Scott

I put on my big girl panties last Wednesday and went to a marketing course all by myself. Actually, there were 2 friends there, but I did not want to intrude upon their experience of the course. My intention was to be as independent as possible. I cannot tell a lie; I was scared to be alone not knowing anything about where I was or what to expect. My husband took me to the hotel without my guide dog and oriented me to the hotel somewhat and then he left. I wanted to cry and say, “Don’t leave me”, but I knew I had to buck up and get over my fears if I am going to get where I intend to go with my business.

The course is over now and I am feeling safe and secure with my guide dog. I am reflecting on the course, and I am asking myself what I gained from the whole experience. What was my “take away”? I am still processing what I have gained. As the only blind person in the course, I will share one insight.

At one point, the presenter actually used the phrase “blind leading the blind” to imply that you aren’t getting anywhere fast or you are going in circles. Usually, I do not get triggered by remarks like that, but this time I sure did. Tears started streaming down my face and I started to lose my cool. I said to myself, “Wow! Why is this getting to me right now?” I felt a rush of feelings especially since the instructor knew she had a blind person in her audience. How could she say such a thing? I felt invisible. I sat for a little while longer and then I very slowly unfurled my cane, and I put it right out there for all to see. I stood up, turned and walked out. I wanted her to see me. I have never done such a thing like that. I am not a bitter, whining blind person. It is not my nature, but for some reason, it felt important to make a statement. I wanted her and the entire room to see that the blind can lead the blind! The blind can also lead the sighted! And I can walk in a straight line from my seat to the door.

Whether the instructor or any participants saw me leave is irrelevant. The most important statement was the one I made to myself. I chose not to shrink back into myself. I chose to be bold. I picked up my power and walked straight out of there! It felt excellent!

Mel Scott Founder and President
BlindAlive.com

 

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