I'm not my normal positive self today - just so frustrated. My challenge from now until Christmas is to do three 10 minute brisk walks a day. It's only week 1 and I'm already in trouble! My joints are so blooming stiff and sore, that I'm finding it difficult to stand up straight, never mind walk for 10mins! Don't know if it's the weather or the new blood pressure pills I'm taking. (I changed because my feet swelled up so much with the others that I couldn't get my shoes on.) So, what to do? I've decided to do stretches when I get up and I've set up my exercise bike in the lounge so I can hop on throughout the day - even if it's just for a couple of minutes at a time. I still have the hope that I'll manage an afternoon walk! 
Anyone got any other ideas?
One step forward two steps back!: I'm not my... - Active 10
One step forward two steps back!
Ummmm? That's not good sounds painful. What about a foot massage, reflexology? 😉
Hi 55unfitfatandfedup - I'm booked in for a full body massage next Tuesday, with a guy who works closely with the chiropractor I go to. I'm really hoping that it helps. The spirit's willing but the body's on strike! I'm a great believer in complementary therapies and hadn't thought of reflexology - I'll look into it! Thanks!
Oh kay50, it looks like its a difficult time for you right now! I too find my joints going stiff - more stiff than painful - as the weather gets colder here in Bangalore.
Hello suryakaizen - good to hear from you! Until it happens, you don't realise how your body dictates your lifestyle - the idiosyncrasies of getting older, hey!?!
Let's hope we both cope well this winter!
Dear kay50, I think at these times we have to take the suggestion of the French apothecary Emil Coué whose mantra-like auto-suggestion "Day by day in every way I am getting bette and better" actually made things better for many people with illnesses.
I've just written that on my bathroom mirror - so that every morning I'm aware! You are right, of course - body and mind are inextricably linked. Thanks for reminding me!
I thought I would insert a Smiley but I am really bad with tech tools. I learned to use a computer only after I was 45, much of my use is Word, and my brain thinks old-style. But big hug to you.
I can't do it on my laptop either - don't know where on earth they hide in there! But I can do smiley faces on my phone! Thanks for the hug!
My idea is that instead of taking a 'brisk' walk , you start off by taking the pressure off yourself and just walk at a comfortable place. As time goes on you can increase the distance ☺️
Hi 13Valerie - I think I've just about accepted that "brisk" is off the cards for a while - so frustrating! But you're right - a slow walk is better than no walk!
Oh runswithdogs I do like your philosophy of life! I tend to beat myself up when I "fail" to reach my goals - I really do need to accept that failure is only a state of mind. Got to remember I'm a grown up - have been for a VERY long time lol - and I make my own rules! I feel better after reading your post - thanks
Muscle pain and stiffness is usually worst 48 hours later - so get out every day to work off the stiffness due to the previous day. This may not be the case with joint pain, depending on the cause.
I had joint pain a week ago in my hip join - a strain, I think, so I have walked less than five kilometres a day since... I seem OK as long as I take small steps, and do not try to extend my stride.
To exercise without aggravating your joint pain, you could try swimming?
I absolutely can, S11m! Do you know, I used to go to aquarobics twice a week and then the pool in Bath was closed for months and months for renovation. It reopened a little while ago and I haven't been since it did! I'll be back there this week - big thank you!?!
3000 Steps
