When I was in my early teens my already poor balance and coordination seemed to be getting worse so my parents sent me to my pediatrician for a complete physical exam. I was also very underweight. I had no self confidence at all.
The exam itself seemed very thorough. After obtaining my height and weight the doctor measured my neck, chest, abdomen, hips, thighs and calves.
Did the doctor have me perform various exercises? Yes he certainly did. I completed a 3 minute step test, bend over, balance on one leg, squats, and some range of motion tests. I had to do pushups for a duration of one minute. I was in my white briefs for the entire physical. I felt mentally defeated. Other than some good abdominal muscles I did not do so well during this assessment. Thankfully my doctor was very kind and encouraging.
I was diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia). My blood tests indicated a hormonal imbalance. I was given a prescription to counter my metabolic imbalance and was sent to physical therapy to minimize the dyspraxia symptoms. My dad purchased a set of dumbbells and a resistance band kit for me. Every day we exercised together doing the band exercises, calisthenics (pushups, sit ups, etc) along with 30 to 60 minutes of running in place. Dad kept me motivated. Over the course of a year I really changed. I gained 10 pounds of mostly muscle mass. I did not become a hulking monster but my body became well defined. That lanky uncoordinated kid turned into a physically fit athletic teen boy. With such changes came some much needed self confidence. I walked my high school halls with some much bigger balls, so to speak.
I had another physical a year later. It was the same drill as last year. Strip to your shorts My doctor was pleased with the increase in my height, weight and body measurements. I completed the balance and coordination tests flawlessly. My heart rate recovery improved significantly according the step test and I completed 34 pushups in one minute. As I was getting dressed my doctor said he also noticed my far more confident and relaxed demeanor. He was proud of me. My blood tests also indicated my metabolism seemed to be far more balanced. My medication dosages were decreased. It was a good year fore