{"id":38148,"date":"2025-01-29T16:17:49","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T21:17:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hydroassoc.org\/?p=38148"},"modified":"2025-01-30T10:45:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T15:45:00","slug":"transformative-fitness-journey-hydrocephalus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hydroassoc.org\/transformative-fitness-journey-hydrocephalus\/","title":{"rendered":"My Transformative Fitness Journey with Hydrocephalus: Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Confidence"},"content":{"rendered":"

By:\u00a0<\/strong>Genesis Espaillat, HA Volunteer<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"fitness\"Starting My Healthy Lifestyle Journey<\/h2>\n

I started taking my healthy lifestyle<\/a> journey seriously in 2019, but I didn\u2019t see changes until 2020. My neurologist played a big role in encouraging me to make these changes because of my condition. Like many of us with hydrocephalus, I deal with headaches<\/a> and dizziness, but I also struggled with back pain.<\/p>\n

Letting Go for Growth<\/h2>\n

Taking care of myself goes deeper than just the way I look. It was also about my mental and emotional well-being<\/a>. It\u2019s taught me to let go when it\u2019s time, even if it hurts.<\/p>\n

Finding Motivation and Creating a Positivity Wall<\/h2>\n

At first, staying motivated was one of the hardest parts, especially while living at home, where everyone in my household ate unhealthy. I had to find small but meaningful ways to stay committed to my goals.<\/p>\n

Staying Active During the Pandemic<\/h2>\n

When the pandemic hit, my anxiety became more severe than usual, and staying active became my main coping mechanism. I began going to the park for walks and turning on fun fitness videos on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Taking My Fitness to the Next Level<\/h2>\n

In 2022, I got my first job with the help of Best Buddies, and that milestone encouraged me to take my fitness journey to the next level. I joined a gym and started with group fitness classes and the stairmaster.<\/p>\n

Exploring Resistance Training<\/h2>\n

Although the stairmaster has been my go-to safe workout because I can hold onto the rails, I have also started exploring resistance training and progressive overload with the support of my partner.<\/p>\n

How Fitness Has Transformed Me<\/h2>\n

Since working out, I\u2019ve seen changes in both my physical and mental health. My confidence and self-esteem have improved, which is something I\u2019ve struggled with for a long time.<\/p>\n