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About Me

I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations.
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Friday, October 26, 2012

Limited

For some still unknown reason, I thought it would be fun to challenge
myself by walking at least 100 miles in the month of October. I have
been diligent, although some might say obsessive, about logging my daily
miles. In fact, I surpassed my goal last week and I am now looking to
walk at least 200 miles by Halloween!

The beautiful weather has
certainly been motivating me towards achieving my walking goal. I found
that I thoroughly enjoy hopping into my jogging leg and taking off on a
stroll through the neighborhood each afternoon. Most days the
temperatures have been perfect, necessitating that I wear only a vest.

On
the rare days when it has been raining, I've logged my miles on the
treadmill at the gym. Thankfully these days have been few because I find
the treadmill both physically uncomfortable and dreadfully boring. I
doubt that I'll maintain my walking routine when the weather forces me
indoors because of my hate-hate relationship with the treadmill.

A
few days ago, discouraged by the rain yet determined to meet my mile
goal, I hopped on the treadmill at the gym. After walking the requisite
amount, I dismounted the machine and prepared to walk into the locker
room. I was intercepted by the manager, who asked to speak with me.

I
immediately sensed that he felt uncomfortable, which made my guard
rise. I knew that I hadn't broken any rules and, aside from setting off
the lunk alarm because of singing, I try to fly under the fitness radar.
Curious, I followed him into his office.

After exchanging
pleasantries, he finally reached his point. In a polite way, he asked
me to only utilize the two treadmills closest to the attendant desk.
When I asked why I was restricted to those machines, he informed me that
my using any other machines presents the club with a liability issue.
He proceeded to explain that my disability (I'm assuming he means my
amputation and prosthetic use) puts me at increased risk and that the
warning labels affixed to each treadmill clearly states that individuals
with physical handicaps require supervision. He apologized for the
inconvenience, but remained steadfast that I utilize only the designated
treadmills.

I left the gym and instead of feeling satisfied by a
work-out well done, I felt deflated. I know that was not the intent,
and I respect the rules of the facility. Still, it bothers me that I am
being limited simply because I use a prosthetic. I know how to walk, and
I disagree that I am more of a liability than the individuals texting
or surfing the internet on the same machines!