Aspies For Freedom

B"H

My time at the Gym is an interesting experience.  I go there once a week to work out rather heavily.  The Gym is where I can concentrate on an upper body workout.  It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, a weekly highlight.  

However, I do have one challenge.  The NT's seem to be able to use the sophisticated equipment at 24 hour fitness with relative ease.  I, on the other hand, have had some embarrassing struggles with coordinating my body and the machinery.  I will try to replace on bar with another, and end up holding the original one between my elbow and my rib cage, while trying to put the other one in with one hand.  That is simply one example.  

This is one example of how the heavy equipment there can be difficult.  All the same, it does not get in the way of a good workout.  However, it is symbolic of the fact that there are some roads that are simply hard for me.  And, accepting that has brought me peace.  I am only "high functioning" to the extent that I function highly.  That is true of anyone.  I may have my moments of "low functioning."

At the same time, I still have a good workout.  When I bench, I try to have my initial rest on a prime number, and end my series on an even number, so that I can count two prime number sequences.  However, some times practicality gets in the way...like when my muscles really do need a rest.  Also, it is difficult to bench with a prime number as a weight on both sides.  55 is a good Fibonacci numerical weight.  But, 89 would require one fifty, one twenty-five, one ten, and four ones.  At least I get a double, a prime and a Fibonacci...But, I do not see too many 1 lb. weights around.    

OK, I guess I'll end this thread now.  I did not mean for it to be ridiculous.  I actually do find the machinery a challenge for body-spatial coordination.

Do you have the same problem?

All the best.

ATM: So am I.  It is not "coordination."  My problem was a particular type of coordination.  It is the ability to kinesthetically move with a machine.  It is a pragmatic skill that I seem to lack at times.  At other times, I cannot move my legs behind a leg lift.  

No, I did not mean this as a joke.  However, I did want people to laugh a little.  I still have a good workout, and no, I do not resemble Steve Martin in "The Jerk."  It is nowhere near that severe.

All the best.

What do you mean by this? It seems funny, except I'm not sure why. lol.

ATM: Well, look at it this way.  On another thread, they are talking about the potential of the medical establishment using oxycontin to "cure" Autism.  Imagine that, using a narcotic to cure a neurological modality!  This is the fulfillment of a lot of what I suspected was coming, a society controlled by drugs, surveillance, and expanded police power.  Psychology, the best vehicle by which to address Autism, has been replaced by psychiatry.  People would rather have their children be drugged in to being NT's than being accepted as what they are, and encouraged to be the best that they can be, with all resources put at their disposal to help cure them of co-morbid symptoms.  ("Cure" vs. "Anti-cure" is a morally complex issue that is best addressed elsewhere, by someone more interested in the issue)

Thus, I put this thread up to celebrate an experience.  I *enjoy* being a little befuddled at the Gym.  It is part of what makes life interesting. I do not want to be "cured" of this. The fact that I may not always be so high functioning actually gives my life some definition.  It means that I can laugh at myself a little bit.  I think that it keeps me humble.  I laugh at how I must look in front of all of these "exercise yuppies."  I think that I actually liven their day, or at least my own.

Now, let me address your point.  What is "high functioning" but a modality?  If one is drunk, G-d forbid, one is not very high functioning.  One is high functioning if one functions highly.  There is no designation written in stone.  I believe that a person can choose to be high functioning, within their sphere.  If it means picking up a pencil after struggling with a muscular dysfunction, than that is high functioning for that person.  I would be low functioning if I got embarrassed, left the Gym, and never came back.  However, I choose to be high functioning and to be the best I can be.  I choose to live.  Thus, I am high functioning.

Come to the Gym sometime.  Have a good laugh!  Maybe I can put on a real show and try to juggle bar bells next time.

All the best.

Heh, I have loads of awkward moments doing physical things, as well as other things. I am in an intermediate taekwondo class I'm repeating, and I'm still way far behind other people in terms of coordination, and I still confuse my left and right in some of the forms. I also have had some hilariously befuddling moments trying to work the print card system in the library.

I don't think I've ever been inside of a gym. I prefer to go traipsing up and down mountains looking for snakes instead.

ATM: That's fun also!

Break each operation down into concrete steps and develop a protocol.

Some gyms employ "trainers".  It is their job to help people use the equipment properly and safely.  They are also there to advise people who to make an individualized workout that is effective.  Often their services are included in the fees.  Ask about it.  Anyway, there should be someone who works there that at least can recommend how to use the equipment safely and somewhat efficiently.

ATM: Thanks.  It is not actually the workout that is the problem.  It is physically working the machines.  I sometimes feel like something is jammed, stuck, or just plain not suited to my body, whereas the NT's are OK with it all.  To be honest, the workout is fine.  It is the given workout machine that can present a problem, though not an insurmountable one.  

I have learned to laugh at myself!

All the best.

[quote=jedimom777]
It's oxytocin.... A bonding hormone released in moms and babies while nursing.  It opens up certain brain stuff to allow bonding on that deep and elusive level.  It is a very interesting idea.... NOT a narcotic at all.

ATM: I am not saying that I oppose it 100%.  It might be an intriguing idea.  What I am suggesting is that we have a healthy dose of skepticism, as with anything.  We have too many addicts as it it.

All the best, Jedimom777, and thank you for posting on my thread.  Don't be a stranger!

Great! I only hope I can stop smacking myself with my racquetball racket soon!

I'm puzzled: how do you know where your felllow gym attenders are on the neurological spectrum? Are they required to display their diagnosis details on their t-shirts?

Yuh I have the same problem too! I even took weight training in college which boiled down to "if you're not a football player, why care?" I can't even operate the treadmills at my gym. I eliminated weight training completely and took up free weights and physioball training....and kick bag. I love the kick bag

I had a gym membership, but I cancelled it five months ago. I was actually doing better WITHOUT the gym. I mean, seriously, I healthily lost 73 pounds ever since improving my diet (I also excersize, BTW).