I would love some opinions on my situation

[Janja]

I am absolutely thrilled to have found MMM, and even after just a few months, my life has been enriched.

Of course there are some areas that still need improvement, and I have been working on those.

This is what I would like some feedback on: I am fairly happy with my exercise situation. I swim three times a week at the Y, and when I get on Medicare (in just a few years--early because I have multiple sclerosis), the cost of the gym membership will be negligable.

But I would LOVE to be able to bike to the grocery store (1.6 miles each way), drugstore (1.3 miles each way), some friends' houses, the Y (2 miles each way), and my cheapo hair salon (1.3 miles each way). I would rely on my husband's car to get to places I cannot bike (certain doctor appointments, etc.), and maybe get rides from friends sometimes?

Here is the thing: I have multiple sclerosis, and while I can walk, my sense of balance is not what it used to be. I know that my strength and balance have improved since I have been swimming, and I have this fantasy that I will get even stronger and more "balanced" if I take up biking. My husband is strongly opposed to the idea. He used to bike a lot in Nashville, and he says it is too dangerous for a person in my condition (weakness, poor sense of balance) to attempt this.

Well, maybe he is right. But it's exciting to think about the money that would be saved if we didn't have to have two cars.

Another possibility: perhaps I could walk to these relatively nearby places? I would have to use a rollator (walker on wheels) in order to do this. I can go pretty far when I use one of these things. But I would feel embarrassed! I have not been too embarrassed to use my rollator to walk around the block in my neighborhood, but I know I would feel conspicuous and "judged" (by friends and family) if I used my rollator while walking alongside traffic-filled roads. Bear in mind that I am not a young person.

So that is my problem. I would love to find a way to get by with one car, and to get to nearby places in ways that exercise my body. If I were able-bodied, it would be easy! I just hate thinking that we are spending all this extra money and polluting the environment because of my medical condition.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this dilemma? Any creative ideas? Or at least some ways to feel better about everything? ;)

[tuyop]

I think it's very disturbing that your husband would be so negative about your ideas to get more exercise and increase your independence.

That being said, I don't know your body or limitations, and you are the best judge of what you can or can't do.

In my experience, I have a permanent spinal injury that causes me chronic pain after a training accident in the military a few years ago. For many months (after some traction and stuff) my doctors told me to do absolutely nothing and hope for the best. I got progressively worse under this "plan" and decided to take matters into my own hands and just TRY things that I once was very good at but now caused me pain. I went from running <19 minute 5ks months before my injury, to running in agony for literal minutes at a time, to now where I can run farther and faster than ever before in my life.

Now, is there any reason not to just try to bike or walk? If it won't literally kill you dead instantly, and won't immediately result in trauma that will make you miserable forever, why not do it?

If the answer is, "...in case..." or "because my husband..." maybe you should just give it a try! If you're hesitant to buy a bike in case you won't be able to use it, you could maybe borrow one and try it out on some grass first.

We also have a fitness megathread for this kind of stuff if you're looking for other things to do to help improve your weaknesses.

[Deano]

I'm a huge cycling advocate, but we need to do what is safe and honest here. A two-wheeled bike is not in your future, or shouldn't be. You could, however, manage an adult trike quite possibly. They have the added benefit of having a big cargo area to put your grub in as well and your husband might be more amenable to this idea. I've sold a number of trikes over the years to people with some mobility issues and it might be the right choice for you.

[anastrophe]

This is something I've thought a lot about because my sister has severe epilepsy, but has always wanted to share my interest in transportational cycling (she's unable to drive because of her condition).

How are your reflexes? Poor balance is a recipe for disaster on a two-wheeled bicycle, but you might be able to ride a tricycle more safely and easily. They are expensive but much more stable, and some come with the benefit of having a big cargo basket between the rear wheels.

I am not sure if you will experience the same kinds of rehabilitative benefits from cycling as you do from swimming, they are very different activities. But it might help you, and that would be awesome.

As for walking, how much do you really care about what people think? They know you have a disability, right? Your friends and family should be willing to accept your accommodations, and the rest of the world really doesn't matter. Part of the shift to frugality is letting go of other people's opinions--do what is best for you.

[anastrophe]

I'm a huge cycling advocate, but we need to do what is safe and honest here. A two-wheeled bike is not in your future, or shouldn't be. You could, however, manage an adult trike quite possibly. They have the added benefit of having a big cargo area to put your grub in as well and your husband might be more amenable to this idea. I've sold a number of trikes over the years to people with some mobility issues and it might be the right choice for you.

This is hilarious--I was writing a comment saying exactly this while you posted yours. There is a woman in my town who rides a trike and she is so badass.

[tuyop]

I'm a huge cycling advocate, but we need to do what is safe and honest here. A two-wheeled bike is not in your future, or shouldn't be. You could, however, manage an adult trike quite possibly. They have the added benefit of having a big cargo area to put your grub in as well and your husband might be more amenable to this idea. I've sold a number of trikes over the years to people with some mobility issues and it might be the right choice for you.

This is hilarious--I was writing a comment saying exactly this while you posted yours. There is a woman in my town who rides a trike and she is so badass.

Actually that's a good point, a friend of mine has a sort of congenital menieres disease (lack of balance), and she uses an adult tricycle all the time. Once she got used to it she really fell in love.

[Janja]

tuyop: Thank you for your cute disturbed feelings about my husband's imagined negative attitude. That made me smile, for what wife doesn't enjoy a few moments of resenting her husband, until she (in my case anyway) remembers what a selfless, protective yet encouraging man he is. ;)

I love your triumphant story about healing yourself through doing what you knew was right for you. Swimming has done more for my condition than any of the meds doctors prescribed for me. I really do appreciate your post.

Deano: Thank you for your kind, realistic message. I really like the idea of a three wheeler. You say you used to sell them? What brand did you sell?

anastrophe: Thank you for your pep talk!

Thanks to everyone who responded. I will look at trikes right now!

[Kriegsspiel]

LOL at the phrase "adult trike."  I know some people who ride them (recumbant bikes is what they call them).  They are real popular in Europe, so it's not like a "weird" thing that fitness freaks are into.

[tuyop]

LOL at the phrase "adult trike."  I know some people who ride them (recumbant bikes is what they call them).  They are real popular in Europe, so it's not like a "weird" thing that fitness freaks are into.

Recumbent bikes are a good alternative as well (though nerdy as hell), but I think this is what most people mean, and what I meant.

[olivia]

LOL at the phrase "adult trike."  I know some people who ride them (recumbant bikes is what they call them).  They are real popular in Europe, so it's not like a "weird" thing that fitness freaks are into.

Recumbent bikes are a good alternative as well (though nerdy as hell), but I think this is what most people mean, and what I meant.

That looks great, super easy to stash stuff in, too!  (Maybe your wheelie walker would fit back there too if you need it!)  I would try an adult trike, too-that was my first thought.  I've seen several around my area and I think they're super cool.

[NumberJohnny5]

I've seen some adult trikes. With the extra width in the back, you can have a small bed there (I mean like a truck bed, i.e. place to store stuff). I guess someone might think it's a bit weird, but if you're carrying a bunch of groceries, it'll just look darned practical. I wouldn't guess you were riding it cause of a medical condition.

If the physical exertion is too much, you can get an electric bike (I'm sure there's electric trikes too). Peddle as much or as little as you want.

Nashville is not really bicycle friendly. Concern for safety is a valid one, even if you were 100% able-bodied (if I'm using the wrong terminology I apologize, I do not mean to offend).

[Kriegsspiel]

LOL at the phrase "adult trike."  I know some people who ride them (recumbant bikes is what they call them).  They are real popular in Europe, so it's not like a "weird" thing that fitness freaks are into.

Recumbent bikes are a good alternative as well (though nerdy as hell), but I think this is what most people mean, and what I meant.

Well shit... I learn something new every day.

[Deano]

Yup, I meant three wheels.

Recumbents, btw, would not be good w/people w mobility issues, that is the two wheeled variety I mean.

As far as what kind, no adult trike is going to be top gear stuff, unless you're talking a racing trike, which isn't what you need of course.

I don't recommend the Walmart bike however, best to go to your local reputable bike shop, they'll get you sorted properly.

[Janja]

Thanks for the additional input. I actually have had another thought. What about the bus?!MTA Might save me from having to have the second car. And walking to the bus stop from my house would be great exercise, though not as grueling as walking all the way to my destination. Thinking, thinking.

[galaxie]

You can always decide on a case-by-case basis whether you feel up to walking/biking or would rather take the bus.  That's the nice thing about the bus!