Blog: "If I had to choose between the pub or gym, I'd choose the gym"
The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) website features a blog post every Friday throughout the year. In 2017, we'll be sharing the experiences of disabled people, and those who support disabled people, on their journey to being more active. This week, we catch up with Chandni Sony who featured in our Me, being active video series two years ago. She tells us about what she has been up to since and how she’s tackling perceptions of disability in the fitness industry.
I am Chandni Sony, I live in London and I am 35 years old. I am registered blind and I have a progressive eye condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa.
I appeared in EFDS’ Me, being active video back in 2015, where I was filmed doing one of my daily workout in my local gym. Over the last few years, the fitness industry has evolved rapidly, with the introduction of Class Pass and thousands of new fitness studios. I have been busy attending classes in these fancy studios over the last two years. Even being blind, I attend these classes independently like anyone else which gives me a sense of freedom when I work out.
TRX suspension training is my favourite class. It is a very simple piece of equipment to use and highly effective. As long as the instructor is giving clear instructions, I have no problem following the class.
A lot of studios turn me away as soon as they find out that I am blind. There is often a general perception that a blind person in a class of sighted people would need extra help, as they may not be able to follow the class. I have even had to take a couple of one to one sessions with instructors to assure them that as long as they give clear instructions, I can follow their class. Sometimes even better than someone who is sighted!
I fully understand that some classes may not be suitable for disabled people but before you turn down a disabled client, I would encourage instructors to meet with them in person and ask about what they can or can’t do in a class environment. Then you can discuss ways to adapt exercises and make an informed decision together about whether that particular class is suitable for them.
This year I have taken part in three long distance bike rides for charity and I hoping to do a big 100 mile bike ride next year. I have also recently started playing tennis which I really enjoy.
Being fit and active has become part of my life and I absolutely love it. I have an office job, so I am sitting on a chair all day long. I actually look forward to my fitness classes, bike rides and tennis sessions. I know it’s probably not the most popular option for many, but if I had to choose between going to the pub or the gym – I’d choose the gym.
I can truly say that keeping fit and healthy will definitely help you mentally and physically. We all have to start somewhere, so get out there and try something that you like. It could be anything such as dancing, cycling, attending the gym or a fitness class. Once you find a form of exercise that you really like and works for you, it will become part of your life and you will never regret exercising.
Watch Chandni’s Me, being active video here.
If you want to be more active but aren’t sure how to start, visit our dedicated webpages for advice.
