I talk a lot about exercise because it has become an essential part of our lives. We exercise together nearly every day and that is not what I expected retirement to look like. I saw us travelling, relaxing, enjoying life, not taking up boxing, but here we are. I blame his Parkinson’s Disease for this; however, I should really be thankful because not only are his Rock Steady Boxing classes slowing the progression of his illness, they are also helping me live a healthier life.

The thing about it is that I wonder what I will do when he can’t box anymore? I am there as his coach or boxing buddy and, when he doesn’t feel like boxing, I don’t get the exercise either. Perhaps I am borrowing worries from tomorrow but wouldn’t it be great if I had an exercise program that addressed my particular needs as an aging woman rather than his as an older man with Parkinson’s Disease?

Whatever I am doing, I know that I need to continue. It may very well be that I need to find an exercise program for me beyond what we are doing for him. Maybe he could come along as my coach one day a week? Then, when he doesn’t want to exercise, I can still participate. My ability to care for him is dependent on my physical well-being, perhaps it’s time I found a program that prioritizes it.