Monica Quimby during her first day in the gym. Photo courtesy Quimby.

Back to the Slopes -Finding a Gym

Follow Monica's journey back to the sport that ultimately changed her life.

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I live in Maine and it took me a while just to find an accessible gym. I went to college at the University of Arizona for a few semesters and I got spoiled with the VERY accessible gym and varsity sports for the disabled. Back in the Northeast, it is not that easy. What was my biggest problem? It was to find a gym with adapted cardio equipment. I called and visited 8 gyms with no luck (not kidding).

I finally found a gym the day before Thanksgiving. I popped in and looked around. The family-run and owned gym is called Basics in South Portland, Maine and they did in fact have adapted cardio equipment, they actually had 4. Also all of the weights are based on air pressure resistance, no heavy weights or pinched fingers. I also noticed that the equipment had easy transfers and friendly staff.

 I chatted with the owner what I was doing in getting back into shape and attempting to hit the slopes again after accomplishing what I have professionally, we talked for an hour.  I also made a few suggestions/improvements to make it more accessible. For example, the cardio equipment needed a foot strap so my feet wouldn’t fall out. He ordered it and it was on a machine when I went to work out yesterday.

I am in love with a gym.

I had a trainer session and a nutritionist appointment, being from a science background I make sure I do all of my research and take every aspect into account. I want to be as prepared as I can for what I am about to attempt- physically, mentally and emotionally. Here we go!

Read week two here.

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