A real biker babe: after nearly losing her leg, fitness training keeps her motor running - Success Stories

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, July, 2002 by Antoinette Alaimo

When it came to physical activities, I was no slouch. Growing up in Italy, Germany, New York and several other states in the U.S., I always wanted to be outside doing some kind of physical activity or sport. I was known as the tomboy in the family. Most of my high school years, however, were spent studying and concentrating on my grades. It wasn't until I graduated that I started to participate seriously in sports, outdoor activities and training in the gym.

After graduating from college with a business degree, I finally fulfilled my passion of riding and racing motorcycles (dirt and street). In 1997, at age 25, I won first place and overall point standing for the Women's FTR Motocross Series. In 1998, I moved to northern California to compete nationally in the Women's Motocross League. Weightlifting, cardio and good nutrition were all major parts of my training. The more muscle I built, the more control I had and the better I rode.

On Dec. 5, 1999, while practicing at the Hangtown National Outdoors track outside Sacramento, I was struck by an out-of-control rider. The impact was so hard that my left leg folded sideways at the knee. For several seconds my bike lay on top of me, pinning me to the ground with my ankle touching my hip. I dislocated my knee and tore my meniscus, as well as three of the four ligaments in my knee. I stayed in intensive care for two days because the doctors couldn't get a pulse in the main artery of my leg. Without it, they said they'd have to amputate my leg from the knee down.

Muscle Lost, But Knowledge Gained

Fortunately, on the third day, my doctor found the pulse in my leg and decided to operate. After total reconstructive surgery -- bolts and a metal plate now hold my knee together -- I spent two weeks in the hospital and three months on the couch, which caused a lot atrophy. Even though I tried to maintain some level of activity and had home therapy, I lost the hard-earned muscle in my left leg and glute area. The next six months were really tough. I fell into a depression and had no desire to participate in any physical or social activities.

Then one day it just hit me: If I wanted to race again and regain my level of fitness, I had to work extra-hard. I went through physical therapy for one year, but I decided I needed more knowledge of my body and fitness so I could train harder.

Some days I felt like I could barely lift my eyelids, much less free weights. But I knew that turning on a workout video or just jumping on a NordicTrack wouldn't give me the same benefits as an individualized, well-rounded fitness program. So I started training hard and became certified as a personal trainer. I did cardio every other day, and weight training and stretching 5-6 days a week.

My three-day split included chest and shoulders on day one, lower body on day two, and back and arms on day three, then repeating that order of workouts. I also used supersets to maximize muscle work in the shortest amount of time. Not only did all this training rebuild my muscle, but it increased my self-confidence, energy levels, and strength and functionality in daily living. Fitness pervaded all aspects of my life and I started riding again 1 1/2 years after the accident.

I've started working toward my master's degree in sports and fitness, and have begun racing again. In addition to weight training and riding motocross, I stay fit by hiking, in-line skating, kayaking and running. I want to utilize the knowledge, skill and experience of exercise and nutrition that I've gained to aid others in achieving lifelong fitness goals, and to provide social and psychological support. I was lucky to gain back my muscle and achieve 100% use of my knee, a feat I attribute whole-heartedly to my doctor, fitness training and, most of all, the support of loved ones.

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