Thursday's Thoughts

[DonnaBoll]

How often have I said - or you've read it - that exercise help with the fatigue. Seems hard to believe but it's true. But.... when you can hardly put one foot in front of the other the idea of doing any exercise can be almost ridiculous to us.

I think we all might need to rethink the word 'exercise'. If we look up the definition it's " to engage in activity to improve health and fitness". Ok...... we are not running 3 miles, we are not even running at all, we are not in the gym using the machines for 45 minutes, we are not swimming laps. And the fact that we aren't is OK. I know some of us are not doing any of the things I just mentioned.

What we are doing is maybe standing and marching in place for 1 minute, maybe walking around our own house for 3 minutes every couple hours, maybe we're doing 15 minutes of a chair yoga video on utube ( by the way utube has so many great exercise routines that are gaged for those over 50 (Fitness for 50) for lighter exercising/stretching), maybe we just moving our legs up and down before we ever get out of bed, or maybe we just are doing simple arm/leg exercises from the comfort of our chair. Just move! that is the key.... don't put pressure on yourself (I often do) to do that 'all out' exercise routine. Not going to happen for many of us. Be realistic. I do know if we try to do something regularly we will feel better and over time we might even enjoy it. 😊

I know yesterday my husband and I sat in the chairs in the living room and watched a 15 minute video about chair exercises (we did participate too!) All of them were done from the chair... it felt good even doing those 15 minutes. Find what works for you.

When weather is better walking may be a great way to get out in nature and exercise. I highly recommend the use of walking poles if you feel your balance is not that good. I use them and they have made such difference with my knees as well.

So think about it.. what can you do to feel better with exercise? I would love to hear from you about what you do to stay active.

Movement is truly medicine.

[lovesoccer]

So true, Donna. I know I feel better after moving. I’m one who loves to walk on the weekends for a good 6+ miles, but like you said even moving in place for a minute is fantastic. While I’m at work during the week even just standing and stretching, or doing a few curls or presses with a resistance band I keep near my desk gives me that short burst of energy.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to lovesoccer]

Sometimes we feel it has to be 'all or none'. Nope.... any movement really counts. You are a testament to that. Good for you! Thanks for the encouragement.