Get Off The Couch!

By Kami-Leigh Agard

I used to boast that I don’t own a television. I still don’t, but in the last year, I’ve devolved into a couch potato, content to just lay on my mom’s sofa, zoning out in front of the boob tube. I’ve probably seen every episode of “Perry Mason,” “Murder She Wrote,” “Barney Miller,” “Frasier,” “Seinfeld,”—the list goes on. A mere text message brings on anxiety. Any matter that does not concern my daughter, I find myself wanting to avoid everybody and everything, yet yearning for a lifeline to get out of this quicksand of funk. That said, what is the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

So, after watching a news segment on FOX 5 Good Day New York about the mental and physical health benefits of living by the ocean, I drummed up an idea! With summer in full swing and the ocean as the backdrop, why not start a fun fitness program on the boardwalk with Rockaway Beach Autism Families (RBAF)? So, I called up my good friend, Richie Mahoney, who is a seasoned, certified physical fitness trainer, and drum roll please! Starting Monday, June 15, RBAF invites all to our “Move your Body Boardwalk Bootcamp!” For just 40 minutes, every Monday and Tuesday at 6 p.m., join other parents, bring your friends, and get our backsides moving!

Being a caregiver isn’t easy. Whether you care for young children, a special-needs child, an aging parent or ill spouse—amidst the Hallmark moments, it’s non-stop, oftentimes mentally draining. There’s even research published in the American Journal of Pediatrics that parents of children on the autism spectrum, especially mothers, suffer the most stress and depression, leading to decreased motivation to care for ourselves. Losing motivation could indicate a silent cry for “me” time to recharge our batteries. Sometimes you’ll hear a parent say, “Forget about me. It doesn’t matter how I feel.” This sentiment is understandable, but the family is a unit, and our actions or inactions impact others. Hence, doing everything possible to improve our mental health and coping mechanisms are top-shelf goals. Helping ourselves helps our children. Admittedly, on the days I feel most listless, I find myself feeling disconnected with the human being I love most—my daughter. When that realization hit, guilt pummeled me like a tidal wave! And this was the turning point, when I talked to God, praying for a turnaround. Laying on the couch and zoning out was not just harming me, but also, my daughter.

Folks, here in Rockaway, we are blessed to be steps away from the ocean. As reported on FOX 5 Good Day New York’s news segment about the benefits of living by the ocean, “sea therapy,” boosts our mood, reduces stress, mental fatigue and depression, and even improves sleep. Back in April on the day of RBAF’s Walk For Autism, I remember looking out at the horizon, admiring how the ocean was glittering under the sun, and feeling so peacefully connected with God’s majesty.

Thus, coupling the ocean atmosphere with exercise at RBAF’s bootcamp will be a much-needed reprieve. In a 2024 study published in the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 10 parents joined a group exercise program built around their preferred activities. The result? Not only did participants report improved mental and physical health, but their well-being also had a positive impact on their children.

Parents, at the beginning or end of a long day, exercising is probably at the bottom of our to-do list. However, taking care of ourselves is necessary in order to have the energy, health and disposition to be the best parents we can be.

So, folks—starting this Monday, June 15, join RBAF’s “Move Your Body Bootcamp,” with fitness trainer, Richie Mahoney, at Beach 94th Street/boardwalk. The 40-minute bootcamp will be happening Mondays and Tuesdays all summer. Each class is $10.

All fitness levels are welcome, and exercises will be adapted for those who for examples, have back, knee, flexibility—any constraints. Mahoney said, “I’ve trained people of all fitness levels, even paraplegics who could only use their upper body. It’s amazing to see how working out could get your mind off of daily stressors. Plus, exercising with a group is nice because everyone motivates and uplifts each other. And the best part, cooling off with the ocean breeze.”

For more info and to sign up, visit: Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook/Instagram or text: 718-450-5359.