A wonderful testimonial from Nancy Mulhearn on her experience in the recent Little Black Dress Challenge:
Sometimes, out of nowhere, life has a way of turning your world completely upside down. That is what happened to me eleven years ago when I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease. There are a variety of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s; but in all cases, the ability to move in ways we all take for granted disappears. Researchers believe the best option to possibly slow the progression of Parkinson’s is exercise. For years I “kind of” worked out, but always felt there was something else that needed my attention. I needed to get my priorities straight. Last summer I discovered Sphericality in Flemington, New Jersey. Right away I liked the look and feel of the popular fitness studio. The staff was so kind. Dorian, the owner, listened intently to my story. She encouraged me to try some classes, designing a schedule to ease me in slowly. Did it matter if I was the only one with Parkinson’s? Not at all. She noted that many women there were “dealing with something”. I was psyched, yet nervous. Dorian promised I would love it there. The staff and women rocked! Of course, I struggled at times, but I persevered. Intimidation did not happen. There was always a class or time slot to suit my busy schedule. The barre classes became my favorite. My balance improved, and energy level increased
Learn More: Fall 2017 Little Black Dress Challenge
In the fall, I enrolled in Sphericality’s 6-week “Little Black Dress Bootcamp Challenge.” That meant a strong commitment not only to exercise, but also to a healthy diet. Dorian encouraged me to give it a shot once again, even though the thought of a “bootcamp” edged on my terrifying side. Not only did I try, I discovered movements I thought were lost forever. The diet was easy to follow thanks to a menu calendar with tasty options and weekly grocery list. Body fat went down; muscle percentage went up. I lost a couple of inches in my waist, and my body age decreased. Women encouraged each other. I barely even knew what a plank was before I started. On a good bootcamp day I actually embraced one for 2 ½ shaky minutes! My favorite moment came when Dorian spotted me attempting military push-ups. This is not a Parkinson’s cure. It definitely is another way to fight back big time though. Whatever your circumstances are, the bootcamp challenge at Sphericality is a gift you owe yourself, not a chore. Thank you to the wonderful staff and amazing women of Sphericality for helping me feel stronger in every way. Nancy Mulhearn
Team Fox is a community of over 4,000 individuals who have become dedicated change-makers in their community. Whether they flip pancakes, bike cross-country or host a community concert, Team Fox members are passionate about transforming their interests into opportunities to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research. You can learn more here: Team Fox
