Time to get moving...gently does it...

[Oldfloss]

Hello again..

Here I am clocking on for my daily post...

I have had a fair bit of thinking time today, not bad, overthinking, but good, positive thinking!

When we have issues in our lives, physical or mental, and have to take time out of our normal exercise routine, it may be tricky to find a replacement exercise that will keep us moving.

Whatever your favourite exercise is , it is sometimes just not feasible to do it!

This can be a really hard thing... I do know that not being able to run, is not an easy thought for me. I have to employ the three As and just move forward in a new way,

As with so many things, the answer to our frustration, is, small steps... and for me those are not running ones

A great start is to shake things up.... shake up your ideas on the exercises you can do, not what you cannot do.

The exercises have to become a habit, a lovely routine that fills our body and brain with happy endorphins.... that is the hard bit.... letting it become a good habit!

In order to do that, we need to choose some exercises that we feel like doing... and will enjoy doing!

SO:

Today... a step forward, in the sense of some really great links to exercises that are going to relax, strengthen and support my progress, and maybe be useful to a few more folk here too.

I had a really good night's sleep last night... box breathing and a gentle relaxed body scan !

Yoga morning stretches and more breathing exercises too. As mentioned, they need to become a regular easy habit... so I don't need to overthink anything!

A varied day and a much more relaxed one. No walk, as it has rained non stop until now... but;

Mr OF had his first short drive today too...it went well.

So... what next... well.

Yoga.

Now if you are not feeling it with yoga, before you stop reading, there are some yoga activities and sessions which are not completely overwhelming.

I do know that there are a fair few folk who cannot get to grips with it.... I was one, because I found some moves too tricky.... ancient body and neck injury, but then I discovered there really is so much out there to choose from !

There are short, sweet and very useful sessions for all of us.

I have picked out some that are not too complicated, that will not make me feel anxious or uncomfortable. These are idea if you are coming back from illness or injury too.

I am using some of these right now...

Okay...

Lovely Yoga with Adriene.... and there are loads of other choices, out there...

This is really gentle stuff... with lots of tips that are given, if you are not comfortable in certain positions

youtube.com/watch?v=GnHTeHA...(Not working as expected?)

Gentle Yoga

This is one to give yourself some TLC

Self Care

youtube.com/watch?v=VpW33Ce...(Not working as expected?)

And maybe a lovely evening one too..

Gentle relaxing cosy flow

youtube.com/watch?v=jHZPtn1...(Not working as expected?)

There are so many choices out there... and it is so, so important to find the routines that are right for each of us.

Our own NHS does, also, have some useful stuff as many will know already.

Loads of us have used these exercises!

NHS

Coming back after time out with illness or injury !

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/s...

I am trying to work out a routine which is right for me and the time I can find, to do it comfortably.

My day is going to start with a short relaxed yoga session... and throughout the day, I will be making that breathing practice part of each day too.

As the days go on I am going to be adding some very gentle physical workouts...and I shall share them here tomorrow...

Hoping that some of you may take a peek at some yoga... even if you feel it might not be for you!

Sleep well, and rest easy....

See you tomorrow.

Oldfloss x

Here is the link that Bluebirdrunner mentions below...

youtube.com/watch?v=--jhKVd...(Not working as expected?)

[David_G]

Thanks Oldfloss those ‘returning from illness’ exercises look very similar to those recommended at my cardiac rehab group, unsurprisingly. I won’t take on anything more until I’ve been advised by them to do so. Incidentally, I restarted C25K this afternoon and it went well. I did get approval to restart from the cardiac nurses beforehand though. If nothing else, my episode has taught me to listen to medical advice and follow it to the letter.

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to David_G]

Thanks for this David...The Cardiac Rehab group sounds great. J has his assessment call on August 30th!!!

They definitely have some very supportive strategies...

I cannot believe that you have begun C25K again ! Wow... well done you! Slow and steady !

[CBDB Administrator Graduate Gold in reply to David_G]

That’s so good to hear! Go you, David!

[Bluebirdrunner]

Another thoughtful post Floss, I have been thinking more about my breathing today after reading your post yesterday.

An idea for people just starting yoga would be to look at doing one of the YWA 30 days of Yoga with Adriene where she builds gradually from scratch and talks through each new move. I think my first one was HOME. She launches a new 30 day program each January. Just start at Day 1 and do them in order, leaving days inbetween if necessary, or if time allows, daily to build disipline and routine. They are all available for free on Youtube. Breathing, stretching, building strength and having fun. I love it.

Looking forward to tomorrows post, and hoping you can get out for a walk.

xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Great idea!!!! I will put a link to that up! I did two or three this year I think? Yes... I shall be across the fields with small one, and J will try for a little walk too! Thanks you xxx

[Bluebirdrunner in reply to Oldfloss]

Perfect. 💖💙❤xxx

[CBDB Administrator Graduate Gold in reply to Oldfloss]

Here is a link to a post with all YWA 30-day journeys, just in case it helps. 👏👏👍🏽💚🧘🏻

healthunlocked.com/strength...

[Cassie_7]

I am so glad to hear your husband has been out for a short drive and hope he is feeling much better. Many thanks for your post and for sharing those wonderful yoga videos. They are great for relaxing and self care. I also like pilates too, great for winding down x

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Cassie_7]

Thank you...I don't have too many Pilates links..as I find yoga easier with my neck issues x

[Cassie_7 in reply to Oldfloss]

Good point Floss! Some of the pilates moves are really hard on the neck, I find I can do a few stomach type crunches that involve lifting my head, but have to stop after a few. I have discovered wall pilates (quite a few short or longer videos on You Tube) that I found challenging. You can sit out the ones involving the neck muscles. Some great yoga ones too! I have found Joe Wicks short work outs great too and he has some for mature folk like me lol

[CBDB Administrator Graduate Gold]

great choices! I’ve actually done all three sessions … and probably like you, I have a YouTube folder handy with a collection of “gentle yoga workouts”

But rather than switching over to yoga, I’ll continue with the Tibetan Rites. They have proven to be immensely useful, mindful, gentle and strengthening. There is also something about doing the same moves day after day. I’m sure I’ll be joining daily yoga again at some point, but for now for me, it’s these Rites.

Happy gentle working out! 🧘🏻

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to CBDB]

Those rites are super... they really are.

[Annieapple]

🍏love the mantra about focusing on what we can do, rather than on what we can’t. ..I too am finding the Tibetan Rites work a treat .. however I am going to give the TLC gentle yoga a try in the evening as part of my wind down routine … You & Mr OF are progressing well through recovery & your gentle thoughts & helpful videos will assist many of us on a similar journey or for some us in different circumstances but needing the TLC Thank you Oldfloss xx

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Annieapple]

Morning... you are most welcome.... we are getting there slowly! I was too tired last night to post ... wrote half, but then after a day caring for small runner in training... the call of my bed was strong!

I am going to try the TLC one later too ! Let me know how you find it... Todays post has a little more action! xx