My daughter's disabilities mean I have to stay physically strong. So, I found a personal trainer for caregivers.
South_agency/ Getty Images My daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. By the time she was 6, my daughter couldn't walk independently. She will need my help throughout life, so I'm focused on keeping my body strong to be there for her. When she was 3, my daughter, JJ, was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. It's a developmental, progressive disorder that hits hard and fast. At the age of 6, she has already lost her ability to walk independently , swallow thin liquids, use her hands, and speak. All day, I lift my daughter from the bed to the wheelchair , from the wheelchair to the car seat, and from the car seat to the jogging stroller. She is 47 pounds and growing, but I am 5 feet 4, weigh 115 pounds, and have a small frame. The numbers are not in my favor. Normally, I hit the gym six days a week, alternating strength training , running, stationary biking, Pilates, and kickboxing. But once JJ topped 40 pounds, I began to struggle. An old neck injury flare