Everything is Adaptable

Everything is adaptable. 

It just takes honesty. Honesty with yourself and your instructor. Being aware of your body, knowing your limitations, and recognizing that everyday is different and everybody is built differently. My philosophy is that our bodies are designed to move, if we don’t move our bodies we lose our physical capabilities, so no matter how you like to move, just move. There are always creative solutions, props that can be used, different postures that have the same effect. Let classes meet you where you are at. 

An example of this is last year when I was offering Challenger Baseball in my community. We had a handful of participants, and two were wheelchair bound with cerebral palsy. Their muscles were stiff, and they needed extra support. What we did was introduce a range of motion exercises, breathing practices, and gentle support to encourage softening of the muscles. Something as simple as raising your arms was challenging, but with gentle support, and a few focused minutes, we were able to loosen up their shoulders, finding more space. With gentle massage of their hands, we slowly noticed their clenched fists would soften, just slightly, enough to hold the bat. It was very inspiring to watch, as all these clients needed was focused attention, adaptable movements for their needs, and support from the staff and each other to encourage movement. 

Pregnancy also offers a wide range of adaptations. We measure babies' growth in weeks, but our bodies are changing and shifting daily, not to mention energy levels and hormonal shifts that are constantly changing. Let class meet you where you are, and again it comes with honesty. How are you feeling? Where is there tension in your body? What can you let go of that is no longer serving you?

Let yourself just be. We got you. You are supported.