Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Finding support through exercise
Gina Daddazio leads a TRX class for people with MS at YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s West Chester Branch
EAST GOSHEN » While dozens worked out Saturday afternoon at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s West Chester Branch, no one likely exercised with more intensity than a group of four people with MS, or multiple sclerosis.
While most of those at the YMCA exercised on stair masters, swam or lifted weights, members of an exercise support group for those with MS practiced more unconventional methods in a bid to beat the disease.
Almost a decade ago, Gina Daddazio, of West Chester, was diagnosed with MS. She now leads a TRX class for people with MS.
The group stretches unconventionally, while tugging and pulling at handles, as part of a suspension-based workout.
They sometimes perform reps of 10, like many others in the gym. By pulling on straps, seemingly out of balance, and while trusting the apparatus resembling a swing set with handles, instead of seats, those with MS fight fatigue — both mental and physical — while building
muscle.
Much of the battle with MS is getting going.
“I don’t care if you step into this room and do nothing,” Daddazio said. “If you left the house, got into the car and got to the gym, that’s a huge goal.
“(With MS) you celebrate things in smaller increments.”
Forty-two-year old Josh Comolli, of West Chester, said the workouts are beneficial.
He wore a shirt with an “S” for Superman which read, “I battle MS … What’s your superpower?”
“Any little exercise helps basic balance and helps with fatigue,” he said.
Nagat Mohamed was diagnosed with MS seven years ago and lives in West Chester. She has learned from others with MS.
“I’m now comfortable,” she said. “I saw a lot of people who have the same as I have.”
Sixty-three-year old Sue Ellen Larkin strives for consistency.
“It’s a thing about getting out of the house regularly,” she said. “It’s hard to make yourself tired.”
Larkin especially appreciates the monthly support group meetings held at the YMCA, which are also run by Daddazio. While YMCA members only may attend the MS exercise classes, the monthly support group is free and open to the general public.
Speakers include therapists, National MS Society staff and nutritionists, along the basic talk and sharing, give those with MS regular support.
The disease is often disabling and attacks the central nervous system, which often jumbles the flow of information from the brain to the rest of the body. Both mental and physical fatigue are common.
“Everybody is in the same boat, everybody can relate,” Daddazio said. “We ask about how the disease might be progressing and what things are helping us.”
Attitude and keeping active are key.
“If you feel better when you leave here then you did when you walked in, then I’ve done my job for the day,” Daddazio said. “This is a safe place to discuss challenges and how to overcome those challenges.”
Daddazio isn’t letting MS stop her from realizing her dreams. Since being diagnosed, she’s given birth to two children and faced her worst-case scenarios.
She plans ahead. She was up late at her husband’s high school reunion the night before the exercise class, but made sure to get eight hours of sleep before leading the group.
“I was kind of prepared, we planned for this,” she said. “It wasn’t a crazy party night for me.
“Kids were part of my future plans, I wasn’t going to stop what plans I had for my future.”
For more information, call the YMCA at 610-4319622 or call 610-331-4646.