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Little did I know as a child when I was always dancing on my toes and dreaming of being a dancer that one day that my dream would become my reality.
But not without a few bumps in the road first. I initially experiened a nightmare. At the age of 50, upon suffering a stroke in January 2003, speaking articulately, and in complete sentences, applying lipstick, tying my work out shoes, zipping my pants, showering, driving and writing were only a fraction of the challenges I was facing.
My professional career as the president of a management and public relations firm and active personal life came to a screeching halt. I had all the ‘innate and acquired skills’ to move forward. The stroke had left its mark on my speech and physical mobility. I had no time to ask ‘why’? Instead I was asking how can I move beyond what has happened?
The aftermath of the stroke forced me to participate in speech, physical and occupational therapy. None of the therapy was producing the results I was so desperate to achieve – to regain my life once again.
Mentally, emotionally and physically depleted – one night after several weeks of therapies, I sat in my home/office and through my tears, I glanced over at my vast music collection which represented the best original artists and music from the 40’s/Big Band, 50s/60s, disco, current pop rock; Broadway show tunes and Jazz.
The idea crossed my mind - maybe if I was distracted by the music, I could forget the pain in my entire right side and create movements my body liked.
Routinely, I performed the movements many times a day, simultaneously singing to myself with the music, which helped my then incomplete sentences and improved my articulation.
I was ecstatic as I did one movement at a time - sitting, standing, trotting and progressing eventually to jogging.
I promised myself, when I was fully recovered sometime within the year - as my reward – I would fulfill my childhood dream and just ‘once’ I would offer an exercise class for the physically active or physically fit and the physically challenged.
And everyone could participate -- young adults to senior baby boomers whether they were into Frank Sinatra or Justin Timberlake – Mixing all the decades of my favorite music together.
Participants would choose their fitness level -- sitting, standing, trotting or jogging’ exactly as I did on the ‘fateful night’. Sept. 4, 2003.
My reality came true. I called my class Aerobic Boogie® -- Aerobic because sitting or jogging your can raise their heartbeat. Boogie, because everyone is encouraged to move and groove any way their body is capable.
As I looked around the dance studio was filled – smiles - laughter – singing – all ages – all fitness levels. The nightmare was transformed dream.
Aerobic Boogie® Boogie Aerobics® the FUN way to EXERCISE!™ has captured National and Local media attention for the past four years. For more information, visit www.aerobicboogie.com
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