Blind Abilities

Latest Episodes:

FocusOnFitness 7: Dumbbells - Used in Sets or Individually. A Very versatile Hand-held Piece of Equipment. Episode 7 of the FocusOnFitness Series Jan 03, 2023

Show notes

FocusOnFitness is a series of basic exercises you can do in your house, in the dorm or during a short break. Using the natural surrounding without having to find the right equipment, the best gym or the perfect time to do a little workout. Focus on Fitness is all about doing it when you can and hey, why not?

Maria Johnson, aka Girl Gone Blind, joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to Focus on Fitness and how you can incorporate little nuggets of exercise without throwing your schedule off and being able to work out within your own time and space.

In this Focus On Fitness episode, Maria and Jeff talk about the use of Dumbbells to exercise and keep those muscles toned and defined. A Dumbbell is a hand-held weight ranging from a pound to a huge amount of weight for body building. We are talking about the lighter end of the spectrum, from 2 pounds to 15 pounds. These affordable and easily stored Dumbbells can be used for various motions to isolate and focus your workout to specific muscles. From the Curl for bicepts and triceps to the presses and lifts for shoulders and lats, Maria and Jeff go over a few to get you going on toning up them muscles.

Full Transcript

Check out some more Focus on Fitness episodes and if you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to let us know. You can find Maria on Twitter @Girl_Gone_Blind and follow her blog on the web at GirlGoneBlind.com.. You can find Jeff on Twitter @KnownAsJeff and check out more podcasts with a Blindness perspective on the web at www.BlindAbilities.com.

And remember:

Consult a physician before performing this or any exercise program.

This is especially important if you or your family have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.

It is your responsibility to evaluate your own medical and physical condition,

and to determine whether to perform or adapt any of the exercises in this Focus on Fitness episode.

The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.

If you start to feel any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Thanks for listening!

Episode Web Site

we would love to hear from you!

Send us an email at info@BlindAbilities.com or give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093

FocusOnFitness 6: Creating Space and Setting the Stage – What's Under Your Feet? Episode 6 of the FocusOnFitness Series Jan 01, 2023

Show notes

In this Focus On Fitness episode, Maria and Jeff talk about Creating your space and setting the stage for your exercise routine, yoga session and ensuring your free to exercise while keeping your space safe and free from obstacles. May it be a rug or a yoga mat, the tactile surface will keep your whereabouts in mind and you can feel safe to conduct your full exercise without getting disorientated.

Maria talks about the space and how diffusers can bring about a setting fit for relaxing and setting the tone for Pilates or yoga. Music playlist from your smart devices can keep that drive going throughout your workout as well as video workouts. Hey, the music and instruction is sometimes audio friendly and once again, keeps you rockin' and rolin'.

Full Transcript

And remember:

Consult a physician before performing this or any exercise program.

This is especially important if you or your family have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.

It is your responsibility to evaluate your own medical and physical condition,

and to determine whether to perform or adapt any of the exercises in this Focus on Fitness episode.

The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.

If you start to feel any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Thanks for listening!

Episode Web Site

FocusOnFitness 4: Stretching – The Windmill is a Great Core Building Exercise and a Great Way to Give that Core a Good Stretching. Episode 4 of 7 in this FocusOnFitness Series Dec 31, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, #4 of 7, of the Focus on Fitness series, Maria and Jeff introduce us to the Windmill. This is a full core exercise and is something you can use to get a good stretch to the legs, hips, back from a standing position or from a sitting position. By holding your arms straight out from side to side and reaching across towards your opposite toes. Then back again and repeat on the other side. Slow and steady goes a long way with this Windmill stretch and can become an exercise when done in repetition.

Full Transcript

Core exercises: Why you should strengthen your core muscles

You know core exercises are good for you — but do you include core exercises in your fitness routine? Here's why you should.

By Mayo Clinic

And remember:

Consult a physician before performing this or any exercise program.

This is especially important if you or your family have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.

It is your responsibility to evaluate your own medical and physical condition,

and to determine whether to perform or adapt any of the exercises in this Focus on Fitness episode.

The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.

If you start to feel any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Episode Web Site

we would love to hear from you!

Send us an email at info@BlindAbilities.com or give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093

FocusOnFitness: Walking – A Good cardio and Aerobic Exercise That Helps the Large Muscles, the Heart and Lungs. Episode #3 of 7 in this FocusOnFitness Series Dec 30, 2022

Show notes

In episode #3 of 7, of the Focus on Fitness series, Maria and Jeff talk to us about Walking. Whether using a guide with a tether or on the treadmill, walking is one of the best exercises available. Making a walking routine part of your weekly schedule is one of the best choices one can make when it comes to your heart, your lungs and it can really be a good time to converse and even take in a good audio book. That is, if you are on a treadmill.

Check out all of the Focus on Fitness episodes and if you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to let us know. You can find Maria on Twitter @Girl_Gone_Blind and follow her blog on the web at GirlGoneBlind.com.. You can find Jeff on Twitter @KnownAsJeff and check out more podcasts with a Blindness perspective on the web at www.BlindAbilities.com.

Core exercises: Why you should strengthen your core muscles

You know core exercises are good for you — but do you include core exercises in your fitness routine? Here's why you should. By Mayo Clinic

And remember:

Consult a physician before performing this or any exercise program.

This is especially important if you or your family have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.

It is your responsibility to evaluate your own medical and physical condition,

and to determine whether to perform or adapt any of the exercises in this Focus on Fitness episode.

The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.

If you start to feel any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Thanks for listening!

Episode Web Site

we would love to hear from you!

Send us an email at info@BlindAbilities.com or give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093

FocusOnFitness 2: Squats – Build Stability and Working the Leg Muscles, Quadriceps, Hamstrings and Calves. 2 of 7 in this Series Dec 29, 2022

Show notes

In episode #2 of 7, of the Focus on Fitness series, Maria and Jeff introduce us to Squats. This is where you lower your hips from a standing position and then stand back up. Maria and Jeff want you to be safe and suggest hanging onto a stable fixture when exploring the movement of a Squat. This is to give you an idea of the motion that a Squat consists of and to give you a sense of the group of muscles involved.

Core exercises: Why you should strengthen your core muscles

You know core exercises are good for you — but do you include core exercises in your fitness routine? Here's why you should.

By Mayo Clinic

7 Health Benefits of Plank Exercises (+5 Plank Variations You Should Know)

And remember:

Consult a physician before performing this or any exercise program.

This is especially important if you or your family have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.

It is your responsibility to evaluate your own medical and physical condition,

and to determine whether to perform or adapt any of the exercises in this Focus on Fitness episode.

The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.

If you start to feel any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Thanks for listening!

Episode Web Site

we would love to hear from you!

Send us an email at info@BlindAbilities.com or give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093

Wellness Wednesday: Seasonal Affective Disorder and a Look at New Year's Resolutions with Beth Gustin and Robin Ennis Dec 28, 2022

Show notes

In this tenth episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, finish up on their talk of depression with a bit on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SADS) and elaborate on what they think about making New Year's Resolutions. Keeping the resolutions attainable, limited and focused on goals such as professional, themes such as acts of kindness and less on personal challenges. Themes can be for the entire year and whatever you may choose to set out and enhance or improve upon, make sure the goal is something you want for yourself.

Episode Web Site

we would love to hear from you!

Send us an email at info@BlindAbilities.com or give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093

Check out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes.

Show Hosts:

Robin Ennis on the web at www.robinennislcsw.com

Beth Gustin, LPC, NCC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, CAGCS, PLGS

Www.transitioningthroughchange.com

You can message Beth and Robin by calling 612-367-6093 or by email. They are looking forward to hearing from you!

Episode Web Site

FocusOnFitness: The Plank – Build Stability and Working the Core Muscles. Episode 1 of 7 in this Series. Dec 27, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, #1 of 7, of the Focus on Fitness series, Maria and Jeff introduce us to the Plank. This is a full core exercise and is something you can build upon over time. Take your time and feel the entire body come together to keep that plank position steady and strong. Start with 10 seconds, drop to the knees if need be, it all counts.

Core exercises: Why you should strengthen your core muscles

You know core exercises are good for you — but do you include core exercises in your fitness routine? Here's why you should.

By Mayo Clinic

7 Health Benefits of Plank Exercises (+5 Plank Variations You Should Know)

And remember:

Consult a physician before performing this or any exercise program.

This is especially important if you or your family have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.

It is your responsibility to evaluate your own medical and physical condition,

and to determine whether to perform or adapt any of the exercises in this Focus on Fitness episode.

The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.

If you start to feel any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Thanks for listening!

Episode Web Site

we would love to hear from you!

Send us an email at info@BlindAbilities.com or give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093

A Thank You and a Story about Perspective, A Childhood Perspective - Cherish Yours. Dec 23, 2022

Show notes

Greetings from Blind Abilities,

Thank you all for listening and thank you to all the wonderful hosts on the Blind Abilities Network. You all make us what we are and I am so fortunate to be able to work with all of you, I am blessed. Serina, Callie, Seyoon, Robin, Beth, Sarlie, Dacia, Jesse, Serena Olsen, Simon and Chee Chau and Marlon. And all the others who have made an impact to the shows, thank you very much.

I wanted to reflect on a memory I have about being a kid and how our perspectives change and the memories seem to be a bit more entertaining than the realities of changing perspectives can have on the good old days of "Yester-year". Enjoy the memories however you embellish or enhance them. Tell them and bring them to life. Story telling is the way history started and you are making history every day. Your story is worth telling so share away! My little story is about a hill in my childhood neighborhood called Gruenberg Hill. Today, the hill remains and so does the memory. Hope you enjoy.

Episode Web site

we would love to hear from you!

Send us an email at info@BlindAbilities.com or give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093

the Kevin Chao Experience: A Blindness Perspective of Sight Tech Global 2022 - Tactile Graphics, Digital Tactile Display, Autonomy, ARA from Strap, Pixar Audio Description and more. Dec 19, 2022

Show notes

Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. held the 3rd Annual Sight Tech Global 2022, Virtual and in-person event. Kevin Chao attended virtually for the first 2 days and Being just 20 minutes away, Kevin attended the first in-person event put on by the Vista Center and documented his experience. You can find Kevin's Sight Tech Global 2022 document below.

It was a pleasure to have Kevin back in the Blind Abilities Studio to tell us all about the Sight Tech Global 2022. From his hands-on demonstrations to his conversations with attendees, you will learn what caught Kevin's attention and how meeting the technology pioneers rounded out his virtual and in-person conference experience.

Hope you enjoy.

Episode Web Site

we would love to hear from you!

Send us an email at info@BlindAbilities.com or give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093

New Sing Feature in Apple Music is Like,...karaoke on Your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV Dec 17, 2022

Show notes

Apple introduced a new feature called Sing when iOS 16.2 was released. You can now drop the volume level of the vocals in a song on Apple Music so you can take over the vocals of millions of songs. Apple has created some Sing playlist in many categories and genres so you can find plenty of songs to sing along with. The one caveat is that you have to be a subscriber to Apple Music, and have one of the latest Apple devices.

To find out more about Sing check out Apple Support for Sing on the iPhone.

Episode Web Site

we would love to hear from you!

Send us an email at info@BlindAbilities.com or give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093

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