I love my church! There is so much going on. So many different ways to bless others. Another day I may talk more about blessing others but today I want to talk about the small groups that are offered several times a year and especially the one that has taken me out of my comfort zone.
Several times a year they offer new groups - that will last 6 weeks or so. One of the ones offered this month is a Strength Training class. It is being taught by a personal trainer and his wife. Last night was the first class. It surprised me because only about 10 people showed up - mostly people over 50 - with the exception of my son who will be 30 in April. And mostly women - just two men.
So first we did a short warm up and then the class actually consisted of a circuit of things to do around the room. So we each picked something to start with and then worked around the room several times. We got a GOOD work out. And then about 45 minutes later or we went outside for a cool down~ of walking and then walking sideways one direction and then back the other way and then walking backwards. This walking sideways is very important to keep your strength up as you age- I know this is one of the exercises that my Mother in law had to do at Physical Therapy. Anyway - we had a good time. Although I was very leery of how the class would go especially when I saw the equipment - I am so glad I went. I know that each week I will be challenged but one of my goals for the year was to get stronger - so this class will help me towards that goal. Plus what more could I ask for - a free class, taught by a personal trainer - and to be able to do this with a few friends!
Yes, this class is out of my comfort zone but I am sure that it will help me grow on several different levels. I am SO thankful to go to a church that see the importance of providing different ways to get to know each other along with getting to know the Lord. Both are important.
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Monday, February 18, 2019
Not "Have To", But "Get To"
So recently I have been trying to mix up my fitness routine a bit. It's good to mix things up every now and then so you don't get into a rut.
I have shared how I like to work out with Jennifer from Rise Up Ministries I have the channel with Directv channel 378 I believe. But if you can always go to her website - she offers some workout videos there. Also I believe there are some on youtube as well. Lots of great options.
Well right after the Rise Up program comes Faithful Workouts. I have begun recording a few of her workouts. She has a whole lot of energy and moves quickly - it can be challenging to keep up with her sometimes. But I decided to start working out with her at least 10 minutes if possible and then go do my other workouts.
Anyway so on one of the programs Michelle shared about how several years ago she had a bad ski accident and was not able to exercise for a while. So she said it's not a matter of having to exercise now it is that she gets to exercise now. I think perspective is great to have. To look at exercise as something we get to do. If we have been blessed with the ability to exercise then we truly are blessed. If you have a good attitude about exercising, then you get so many more benefits! It is well worth developing a good attitude about working towards fitness.
So maybe you might want to mix it up a bit and try a work out from each of these sites! :O)
I have shared how I like to work out with Jennifer from Rise Up Ministries I have the channel with Directv channel 378 I believe. But if you can always go to her website - she offers some workout videos there. Also I believe there are some on youtube as well. Lots of great options.
Well right after the Rise Up program comes Faithful Workouts. I have begun recording a few of her workouts. She has a whole lot of energy and moves quickly - it can be challenging to keep up with her sometimes. But I decided to start working out with her at least 10 minutes if possible and then go do my other workouts.
Anyway so on one of the programs Michelle shared about how several years ago she had a bad ski accident and was not able to exercise for a while. So she said it's not a matter of having to exercise now it is that she gets to exercise now. I think perspective is great to have. To look at exercise as something we get to do. If we have been blessed with the ability to exercise then we truly are blessed. If you have a good attitude about exercising, then you get so many more benefits! It is well worth developing a good attitude about working towards fitness.
So maybe you might want to mix it up a bit and try a work out from each of these sites! :O)
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Importance of Setting a Baseline
Making a goal helps you achieve that goal. Last year my sister and I went to a 6 week Diabetes class. During this class we had a session in which we were encouraged to set goals for the next week. We were to set a goal that we were at least 75-80% that we could accomplish. Then we each shared what our goal was going to be. The next week we would again get into our circle and share with the class how we did on our goal. Each we would were encouraged to set another goal for the next week. It was amazing how we as the weeks progressed - we were more likely to set goals that we were going to meet. And each week we did better and better at accomplishing our goals. This section of our class taught me the importance of setting goals.
In July of 2016 when I first set my 50 by 50 goal, I knew that exercising would be a good part of what would help me accomplish my goal. I have done my best to do a decent amount of exercising each week. It's just what I do. I put exercising on my to do list - right up there in the morning along with my quiet time and taking care of my animals. And most every day I try to do some official exercising.
It is important to set a minimum amount of exercising that you do each week. You come closer on those week that you are really busy to make sure you at least do your minimum when you have set a baseline for yourself.
What I have set as my baseline is to walk or work out at least 30 minutes 3X a week. And work out using weights at last 2X a week. Now when you set this baseline, don't use it as a will I only have to do this much. This baseline is set in order to help you at least get that much done each week. You do your best to at least do that much each week. And if you are able to do more - than that is even better. Usually when I walk - I generally walk from 40 minutes to 1 hour. But if time is limited - then, because I have set this baseline - I will do my best to either walk for 30 minutes or do a 30 minute workout.
When you set goals - you are more likely to actually accomplish what you have set as your goals. So if there are things that you would like to incorporate into your life - how about pray about it and ask God to help you set a baseline goal. And then do your best to accomplish that goal.
In July of 2016 when I first set my 50 by 50 goal, I knew that exercising would be a good part of what would help me accomplish my goal. I have done my best to do a decent amount of exercising each week. It's just what I do. I put exercising on my to do list - right up there in the morning along with my quiet time and taking care of my animals. And most every day I try to do some official exercising.
It is important to set a minimum amount of exercising that you do each week. You come closer on those week that you are really busy to make sure you at least do your minimum when you have set a baseline for yourself.
What I have set as my baseline is to walk or work out at least 30 minutes 3X a week. And work out using weights at last 2X a week. Now when you set this baseline, don't use it as a will I only have to do this much. This baseline is set in order to help you at least get that much done each week. You do your best to at least do that much each week. And if you are able to do more - than that is even better. Usually when I walk - I generally walk from 40 minutes to 1 hour. But if time is limited - then, because I have set this baseline - I will do my best to either walk for 30 minutes or do a 30 minute workout.
When you set goals - you are more likely to actually accomplish what you have set as your goals. So if there are things that you would like to incorporate into your life - how about pray about it and ask God to help you set a baseline goal. And then do your best to accomplish that goal.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Mix it up
I have learned a few important things about exercise lately and I wanted to share them with you all - just in case it will help you.
So I was listening to a speaker talking about taking care of oneself. He said that if you had a home and left for 20 years and never put any energy into it - it would decay. If you never brushed your teeth or flossed - your teeth would decay. And then he said - if you don't put out energy and exercise - your body will decay. It is very important that we exercise. When looking at all of the factors of taking care of ourselves - exercise is a very important key to doing so. And I think it needs to be on our priority list as many days of the weeks as we can prioritize it. It's really good to take a day off here and there. Just like the importance of taking care of our homes and taking care of our teeth is important to keep them from decaying- so it is important to take care of our body's!
I have also learned another important lesson. I have a friend who is thin and in very good shape - she is very fit. She shared with me that not too long ago she began to gain weight. She was still practically a vegan and ran all the time. Nothing had changed and she could not understand why she was gaining weight. Then she heard of the importance of mixing up her exercise routine. So she did. She continued eating as healthy as she was eating before with no changes and just changed up how she exercised and she began to lose weight. When we have a routine- our bodies get used to it and ever so often it is good to do something different. I think that is one reason why I am enjoying going hiking ever so often. I have also decided to add in a few more elements to what I have been doing - so that I am mixing it up more. It is also good to have a day here and there. That too- is mixing it up.
I hope that these tips can help you in your journey to better health. And remember that if you are not up to mixing it up - and you are just able to walk at this time - keep it up because moving and exercising is great for your body - even if you are not able to mix it up. Just do something almost every day to get your body moving. A book that I have heard of is called strong women stay young - points out the importance of keeping strong. And to do that we have to keep moving and keep challenging ourselves. I have been asked to go on a 5 mile walk with someone and am planning to take them up on it- as long as the weather is not hot with the sun beating down on me - I am thinking that I can do it. I will certainly get on here and let you all know once I have accomplished it! Wish me luck~ I might need it... :O)
So I was listening to a speaker talking about taking care of oneself. He said that if you had a home and left for 20 years and never put any energy into it - it would decay. If you never brushed your teeth or flossed - your teeth would decay. And then he said - if you don't put out energy and exercise - your body will decay. It is very important that we exercise. When looking at all of the factors of taking care of ourselves - exercise is a very important key to doing so. And I think it needs to be on our priority list as many days of the weeks as we can prioritize it. It's really good to take a day off here and there. Just like the importance of taking care of our homes and taking care of our teeth is important to keep them from decaying- so it is important to take care of our body's!
I have also learned another important lesson. I have a friend who is thin and in very good shape - she is very fit. She shared with me that not too long ago she began to gain weight. She was still practically a vegan and ran all the time. Nothing had changed and she could not understand why she was gaining weight. Then she heard of the importance of mixing up her exercise routine. So she did. She continued eating as healthy as she was eating before with no changes and just changed up how she exercised and she began to lose weight. When we have a routine- our bodies get used to it and ever so often it is good to do something different. I think that is one reason why I am enjoying going hiking ever so often. I have also decided to add in a few more elements to what I have been doing - so that I am mixing it up more. It is also good to have a day here and there. That too- is mixing it up.
I hope that these tips can help you in your journey to better health. And remember that if you are not up to mixing it up - and you are just able to walk at this time - keep it up because moving and exercising is great for your body - even if you are not able to mix it up. Just do something almost every day to get your body moving. A book that I have heard of is called strong women stay young - points out the importance of keeping strong. And to do that we have to keep moving and keep challenging ourselves. I have been asked to go on a 5 mile walk with someone and am planning to take them up on it- as long as the weather is not hot with the sun beating down on me - I am thinking that I can do it. I will certainly get on here and let you all know once I have accomplished it! Wish me luck~ I might need it... :O)
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
An Important Health Tidbit
Remember the new workout DVD that I got? Well this morning I did the Heart Healthy Walk. I learned a few new things just listening to Leslie talk. She explain that we need to be sure and exercise our upper chest because if it isn't exercised then the muscles across our chest tend to pull in and our shoulders are pulled in and our posture slumps. I think it's awesome that she takes the time to explain the benefits behind exercise because it helps me realize how very important it is for us to use all the muscles of our bodies. I hope this Health tidbit helps encourage you as well! :O)
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Variety
Today I wanted to share with you all something that I have learned. I do believe that I am having better success with having variety in my exercise routine. Since I have added things to my walking - I have noticed that I feel that my posture is better and that I have more energy.
On my to do list for this week - was mowing my yard. And so since the back yard looked like it really needed attention- that is where I started. So on Monday I began mowing the back yard. I was able to get a much bigger section of it at one time than last year. Then on Tuesday I was able to mow the entire front yard. And last year, I usually had to stop for a rest 3/4th of the way done. Yes - our yard is quite big- and it does not help that it is a bit bumpy and hilly. Anyway I was thrilled that I was able to get more of it done than last year. That is just one more example of why exercise is important- it helps with real life jobs.
The cool thing - is that there is a good chance that you already have plenty of things in your own home in order to provide yourself with a variety of options of what do to for your exercise time.
I had a couple of exercise tapes -
I'll be honest - I did order this dvd - and paid less than $9.00 for 7 options of workouts!
I already had these 3 pound weights that I bought a while back. I was thrilled to have found them again and put them to work to help me see results.
Do not forget about the options of finding work out programs on TV.
The program that actually helped me realize that I was going to need to do something other than just walking on my treadmill to get me in shape was Rise Up with Jennifer Webster. HERE is her website. You can order DVD's from her - and you can also go to Youtube and look her up - I think that there is at least a couple of her workouts there.
KERA- Channel 13 - maybe it is called different things in different areas - but anyway it is the channel that plays Sesame Street. They usually have a workout on it. Maybe more than one.
Anyway the whole idea of this post is to share with you - that there are many options of things you can do for your health. The main thing is to get up and move. Add variety. Don't just do the same thing all the time - you will get bored. I know for me - I have enjoyed my exercise time much more now that I do a variety of things. I actually spend more time in exercise as well. There is no way I am going to be able to stay on my treadmill for 45 minutes- but I can spend 45 minutes to even an hour exercising by doing a variety of things. And because I am spending more time I am feeling better.
Be sure and look around your house - see what all you have that you could change up what you do for your exercise time- you might be surprised at what all you come up with. Then add something to your schedule, you will be happy with the results. It's good to move that body!
Oh I need to write a post about something that I learned from Leslie Sansome on my new dvd. Be watching for that - It might be a bit surprising- it was for me.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
An AHA Moment With Exercise
Something amazing happened on my walk this morning. And I wanted to share it with you all. Maybe it is something that can help encourage one of you as well.
But before I can share that experience with you, I need to go back and start at the beginning. For over 15 years I have had the desire to run..... ok - stop laughing.... I really have. And in fact, a couple of times I tried to run. As I think about it - I think back to my middle school days- I even tried as soon as my 8th grade year. I got up early a couple of mornings and tried to run around the block. The big problem with this block is that no matter which direction you went - you would have to go up hill at least half of the duration of the run. Anyway it did not last long - then again about 15 years ago - I tried again a bit but just got discouraged. Just earlier this week, while I was at the park - a friend of mine from church was running/jogging - then she went off the trail and starting jogging home. I felt a little envious of her as she ran towards home. That same desire was there, but I knew that I had a LONG ways to go to get to the place of bring able to run/jog.
Well I have shared how the whole situation with my Mother in law has inspired me to get back outside and get some exercise. I have been walking - as much as I can. Well I am trying to walk at least 5 times a week. And I know as I continue on this journey to getting in better shape I will not only build up my stamina but I will feel better as well. And I will have more energy and sleep better. And if you have a problem with your blood pressure being too high - exercising will bring your blood pressure down - it has for me in the past. These are just a few things that exercise can do for you!
So this morning while I was out walking in a great neighborhood near my home, a truck slowed down next to where I was walking and he said "Walking is a great thing to do." I thought that his next words would be, "Keep it up" but he surprised me by saying, "Don't run, keep walking. It's good for your heart." He had a bit of broken English but this is what I understood. I think he wanted to explain more to me but this is what he was able to share. And I know it may not seem like an amazing thing, but when you hear those words after years of thinking that you have the desire to run...well it really reinforces that your on the right path and I just felt like it was God reassuring me - to keep it up and not to long for something different but to enjoy that which I am doing. I know what wonderful results I can get from continuing to walk. I have done it in the past and all of the benefits listed above - I have experienced first hand. And thinking back I just could kick myself in the butt for not sticking to it then. But I guess it is all a part of the journey of our lives. We have to find balance and figure out how important it is for us to take care of ourselves.
On one of my last blog posts about exercising a friend commented how she was walking at least 10 minutes after each meal and that this helped with keeping the blood sugars in check. I had heard this before but had forgotten. I was thankful that she shared because this is something that I too need to work on. I am not diabetic but I do have some precursor to getting it if I am not careful and if I do not take good care of myself.
But before I can share that experience with you, I need to go back and start at the beginning. For over 15 years I have had the desire to run..... ok - stop laughing.... I really have. And in fact, a couple of times I tried to run. As I think about it - I think back to my middle school days- I even tried as soon as my 8th grade year. I got up early a couple of mornings and tried to run around the block. The big problem with this block is that no matter which direction you went - you would have to go up hill at least half of the duration of the run. Anyway it did not last long - then again about 15 years ago - I tried again a bit but just got discouraged. Just earlier this week, while I was at the park - a friend of mine from church was running/jogging - then she went off the trail and starting jogging home. I felt a little envious of her as she ran towards home. That same desire was there, but I knew that I had a LONG ways to go to get to the place of bring able to run/jog.
Well I have shared how the whole situation with my Mother in law has inspired me to get back outside and get some exercise. I have been walking - as much as I can. Well I am trying to walk at least 5 times a week. And I know as I continue on this journey to getting in better shape I will not only build up my stamina but I will feel better as well. And I will have more energy and sleep better. And if you have a problem with your blood pressure being too high - exercising will bring your blood pressure down - it has for me in the past. These are just a few things that exercise can do for you!
So this morning while I was out walking in a great neighborhood near my home, a truck slowed down next to where I was walking and he said "Walking is a great thing to do." I thought that his next words would be, "Keep it up" but he surprised me by saying, "Don't run, keep walking. It's good for your heart." He had a bit of broken English but this is what I understood. I think he wanted to explain more to me but this is what he was able to share. And I know it may not seem like an amazing thing, but when you hear those words after years of thinking that you have the desire to run...well it really reinforces that your on the right path and I just felt like it was God reassuring me - to keep it up and not to long for something different but to enjoy that which I am doing. I know what wonderful results I can get from continuing to walk. I have done it in the past and all of the benefits listed above - I have experienced first hand. And thinking back I just could kick myself in the butt for not sticking to it then. But I guess it is all a part of the journey of our lives. We have to find balance and figure out how important it is for us to take care of ourselves.
On one of my last blog posts about exercising a friend commented how she was walking at least 10 minutes after each meal and that this helped with keeping the blood sugars in check. I had heard this before but had forgotten. I was thankful that she shared because this is something that I too need to work on. I am not diabetic but I do have some precursor to getting it if I am not careful and if I do not take good care of myself.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Keeping Busy ....Keep Moving
The rain has finally moved on-which we are all thankful for. In it's place we have sunshine and very warm weather. With highs in the upper 80's and it looks like we will be hitting the 90 degree mark by the end of the week.
On Sunday morning I turned off our aerobic system outside so it would not spray water around our yard. I did think in an attempt to help our yard get dry sooner so that I could mow. The last few days I have heard the hum of mowers going all hours of the day and even into the evening last night. It has been a long time since we have had a chance to really get our yards mowed. I was happy that I was able to get our front yard and part of the back yard mowed 2 weeks ago.
Well today was the day that I was going to finally get our entire yard mowed! So after I ran a couple of errands and went walking at the park nearby - I came home with the intentions of mowing my yard. Well I began to hit roadblocks here and there. First of all we have some wood leaning on our riding mower - that I had to get off of it - and then had to figure out a way to have the wood stay off of the mower so I could get it out of he leanto. Well I finally thought of a brilliant way to accomplish that! I was proud. Next I needed to get a tire aired up. I have done this several times in the past so I basically knew what to do, however, this time something just was not working right. And I am afraid that we are going to have to take the tire off the mower and take it somewhere to get it fixed. Well after all of that I decided to go to my stand by push mower. So I was able to mow about half of our big back yard. And I mowed some in our driveway area. When I got to a stopping place to take a break, remember it's hot out there in the upper 80's and humid, I noticed 2 our chickens had gotten out of their part of the yard. - Which reminds me that this past weekend they earned more freedom.
On Sunday morning I turned off our aerobic system outside so it would not spray water around our yard. I did think in an attempt to help our yard get dry sooner so that I could mow. The last few days I have heard the hum of mowers going all hours of the day and even into the evening last night. It has been a long time since we have had a chance to really get our yards mowed. I was happy that I was able to get our front yard and part of the back yard mowed 2 weeks ago.
Well today was the day that I was going to finally get our entire yard mowed! So after I ran a couple of errands and went walking at the park nearby - I came home with the intentions of mowing my yard. Well I began to hit roadblocks here and there. First of all we have some wood leaning on our riding mower - that I had to get off of it - and then had to figure out a way to have the wood stay off of the mower so I could get it out of he leanto. Well I finally thought of a brilliant way to accomplish that! I was proud. Next I needed to get a tire aired up. I have done this several times in the past so I basically knew what to do, however, this time something just was not working right. And I am afraid that we are going to have to take the tire off the mower and take it somewhere to get it fixed. Well after all of that I decided to go to my stand by push mower. So I was able to mow about half of our big back yard. And I mowed some in our driveway area. When I got to a stopping place to take a break, remember it's hot out there in the upper 80's and humid, I noticed 2 our chickens had gotten out of their part of the yard. - Which reminds me that this past weekend they earned more freedom.
Can you tell in this bottom photo where the fence used to be?
Anyway So I had to figure out how to get those chickens back into their yard. Thankfully I was able to use the fence that we had taken down to guide the chickens into their pen - once I went back around and ushered them in. Of course it took at least 10 minutes to get them back in. It did not help that I was tired and sweaty at this point. I was finally able to go sit down on the porch and rest a bit with some nice cool water to drink.
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So you will be proud of me- I have went to the park the last two days and went walking. I walked a little over 2 miles yesterday and today just over a mile. I knew I had a lot of yard work to do today and since there was a guy mowing at the park I really didn't want to be in his way. After finding out that I would be having to push mow my yard - I was kind of glad that I had not over done it earlier. I turned on my runtastic for the first time that I mowed and racked up another mile that time. Then went and mowed some more after a bit of a rest and cool down. I have also worked on dead heading my rose bushes and weeded a bit in my flower bed. I have ALOT more to do there but that will have to wait. I also watered my garden and also cleaned out and filled up my birdbaths. So I have gotten a lot of exercise and the day is not even over yet. I am sure there will be more activities!
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So last night my husband and I went to go visit his Momma. We were SO very happy to see her more with reality and making sense. We visited with her for 2 hours and before we left she wanted to sit in her chair. So my husband who is trained and skilled in helping people move around in hospitals helped her(with permission from staff at rehab) move from her bed to the chair- right next to the bed. She had been afraid when others had helped her move and when she had Jay helping her it showed her how much work she really has towards getting back on her feet in able to go home. She said before that she had not realized how bad of shape she was in. She had thought that it was her fear with the other people who had made it harder for her to get out of bed and into the chair. So it ended up being a very good thing that we went and that he helped her get into the chair. This morning she told my husband that she had a goal to be able to go home in two weeks. This proved that she was living more in reality than before when she kept thinking that she would be able to go home in a week - that is what she kept saying last Thursday or Friday - about how long she would be at rehab.
It was great to have a good visit and for her to be doing much better mentally. She is doing a bit better with eating there as well. That has been a battle. She is SO picky in what she eats. But she knows she had to eat to get better.
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Well it is only about 4pm and I am already tired. I am going to have to get to bed early tonight to try to get some more rest. And I am hoping with all the exercise I have been getting that I will sleep good and get caught up.
I better close for now. I just wanted to take a little time to catch you all up on what is going on around here. I have block of the month at the end of this week - I have my block cut out but not put together yet.
Here is a photo of what my block will look like when it is finished!
There is a bit of glare to this photo so it does not show the colors perfectly but you get the idea!
Oh by the way - this morning I woke up to an awesome song. It is a song that I don't think I have every heard before and it is a song that perfectly describes me. I will be sharing it tomorrow. See you then! :0)
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Shock Therapy
At my last oncology visit- the dr informed me that I had gained a few pounds. 3 from the last visit to be exact. She also asked if I was walking every day. Well no...it's been rainy. I am trying to exercise at my house but with everything going on - I honestly have not been exercising every day like I should be. Well after this past week I learned a very important lesson, one that has me changing my priorities a bit.
As you all know my MIL had a lung surgery on the 11th. And then an emergency surgery 21st of this month. Before surgery my MIL had a pretty sedentary lifestyle. She would get out and feed and water her dogs and sometimes go to the pasture - the edge of her back yard to see the sheep. And she had been helping feed some baby lambs. She would do basic cleaning like sweeping and vacuuming. She would run errands - like to the bank, post office, and picking up groceries in the nearby town. But other than that - a lot of her time was spent watching tv. I think this is what contributed to her having such a hard time with being weak. Yesterday when I was at the hospital she asked how she could go from taking care of herself to an invalid so quickly. And as I thought about it I thought that is was sad that she had not been in any better shape before these last surgeries. Not only that - had exercise been a part of her routine - and after the lung surgery began to walk and get some exercise- there is a very good chance that it would have helped her body to continue to move and she may not have needed the emergency surgery. All of this hit home for me and I realized that I needed to make walking a priority. Not above my quiet time with Jesus, but I needed to make sure that I could walk or exercise some most every day. A day off here and there is not going to hurt you but exercise is very important. There is a book that I have that is called Strong Women Stay Young - and I think it is true I think that if we will work at keeping ourselves mobile and moving it will help us all the way around.
So because of this shock therapy that I have gone through - at seeing how a woman that seems like she is doing quite well can go from doing things for herself to not having the energy to hardly move her arms and legs and having a difficult time sitting on the side of the bed- of course some of this is due to the incisions that she has but when the therapy people are trying to work with her and train her how to roll to her side and then push the trunk of her body into an upright position - and she does not have enough strength in her arms to lift herself up - it made me pay attention.
I will be doing a much better job at making time to walk/exercise. And I know that the effort will pay off and I will feel SO much better. Exercise is SO good for you- there are so many benefits - to name a few - build strength and stamina, helps keep the systems of the body going, helps you sleep better at night, keeps your heart strong, and helps you recovery from surgeries better. Like I said, there are many benefits and it is well worth the effort and time put into taking care of your body. I hope you will join me in trying to make exercise a part of your daily schedule. Please leave a comment and let me know what you are doing for exercise or that you will join me. We can encourage one another. :o)
As you all know my MIL had a lung surgery on the 11th. And then an emergency surgery 21st of this month. Before surgery my MIL had a pretty sedentary lifestyle. She would get out and feed and water her dogs and sometimes go to the pasture - the edge of her back yard to see the sheep. And she had been helping feed some baby lambs. She would do basic cleaning like sweeping and vacuuming. She would run errands - like to the bank, post office, and picking up groceries in the nearby town. But other than that - a lot of her time was spent watching tv. I think this is what contributed to her having such a hard time with being weak. Yesterday when I was at the hospital she asked how she could go from taking care of herself to an invalid so quickly. And as I thought about it I thought that is was sad that she had not been in any better shape before these last surgeries. Not only that - had exercise been a part of her routine - and after the lung surgery began to walk and get some exercise- there is a very good chance that it would have helped her body to continue to move and she may not have needed the emergency surgery. All of this hit home for me and I realized that I needed to make walking a priority. Not above my quiet time with Jesus, but I needed to make sure that I could walk or exercise some most every day. A day off here and there is not going to hurt you but exercise is very important. There is a book that I have that is called Strong Women Stay Young - and I think it is true I think that if we will work at keeping ourselves mobile and moving it will help us all the way around.
So because of this shock therapy that I have gone through - at seeing how a woman that seems like she is doing quite well can go from doing things for herself to not having the energy to hardly move her arms and legs and having a difficult time sitting on the side of the bed- of course some of this is due to the incisions that she has but when the therapy people are trying to work with her and train her how to roll to her side and then push the trunk of her body into an upright position - and she does not have enough strength in her arms to lift herself up - it made me pay attention.
I will be doing a much better job at making time to walk/exercise. And I know that the effort will pay off and I will feel SO much better. Exercise is SO good for you- there are so many benefits - to name a few - build strength and stamina, helps keep the systems of the body going, helps you sleep better at night, keeps your heart strong, and helps you recovery from surgeries better. Like I said, there are many benefits and it is well worth the effort and time put into taking care of your body. I hope you will join me in trying to make exercise a part of your daily schedule. Please leave a comment and let me know what you are doing for exercise or that you will join me. We can encourage one another. :o)
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
The Old and the New Trails
About two years ago I shared with you where I walked. You can click HERE to check it out.
A little over a month ago - I started walking. But this time I have not been going to the park to walk on the trail. There are a couple of reasons why I have not been going to the park. Even though it is only about 1 - 2 miles from my home - it would still use gas to get there and back. And with gas prices being the way they are and our finances being tight - I can not justify the usage of gas. Especially when I have a perfectly good place to walk from my home.
I live on a fairly busy road- Many people use our road to get to a nearby highway - that is about 5-6 miles away - or to another busy road the other direction. So the very first part and the very last part of my walk each day is on a road that is a little busier than I'd like to be walking on- but once I get to a nearby road- this road takes me to a wonderful little neighborhood. When I first turn onto this road the first thing I see is a sign:
The way the road is - I can basically walk a figure 8 - although one end of the figure 8 is much smaller than the other side. There is basically a circle that is about 1/3-1/2 of a mile - depending on if you walk on the inside of the road or the outside of the road. I love this little neighborhood. There are a lot of big trees to provide a decent amount of shade- which has been a real blessing for me this past week - I have not been able to wear my contacts so I have been wearing my glasses - well I can't wear my sunglasses when I have my sunglasses on. And I have not been able to buy the sunglasses attachment thing for me glasses yet. So the shade has been nice. The neighborhood is quiet- mostly cause when I walk most of the kiddos are at school. When I walk in the evenings - which sometimes I do - there is a lot more activity on the road. When I walk in the mornings - I will see others walking as well. I have meant a few really nice people by walking there. I love watching the squirrels playing chase, hearing the birds chatter, seeing the squirrels playing keep away with the dogs. It is just a great place to walk.
Another great detail to where I walk is that part of the walk is up hill and part of the walk is down hill and part of it is flat ground. That up and down is great - for challenging me. A couple of years ago when I went to the health seminar - Dr. B shared with us how when you are walking it is great to mix up your walk by walking fast or running for a bit and then going back to normal speed for a while. Well by my walking up hill and down hill - and back and forth since I go around a circle which is the hill and down hill area - I challenge myself just fine.
So now my walking is much easier and easier to resist talking myself out of going. It is easy. I don't have to put any effort other than walking into it. And I love the place in which I walk. It is relaxing and great for my soul.
And if I get tired of where I am walking - I can always go back to the park and walk on the rail. I have options and that is great!
I hope you, too, have a place near your home that you are able to walk. It's really good for you. :o)
**********************
Ok - for those of you that prayed for me about my dentist appointment, I just want to report that it went great - so much better than I thought it would. Thanks for the prayers :O)
A little over a month ago - I started walking. But this time I have not been going to the park to walk on the trail. There are a couple of reasons why I have not been going to the park. Even though it is only about 1 - 2 miles from my home - it would still use gas to get there and back. And with gas prices being the way they are and our finances being tight - I can not justify the usage of gas. Especially when I have a perfectly good place to walk from my home.
I live on a fairly busy road- Many people use our road to get to a nearby highway - that is about 5-6 miles away - or to another busy road the other direction. So the very first part and the very last part of my walk each day is on a road that is a little busier than I'd like to be walking on- but once I get to a nearby road- this road takes me to a wonderful little neighborhood. When I first turn onto this road the first thing I see is a sign:
The way the road is - I can basically walk a figure 8 - although one end of the figure 8 is much smaller than the other side. There is basically a circle that is about 1/3-1/2 of a mile - depending on if you walk on the inside of the road or the outside of the road. I love this little neighborhood. There are a lot of big trees to provide a decent amount of shade- which has been a real blessing for me this past week - I have not been able to wear my contacts so I have been wearing my glasses - well I can't wear my sunglasses when I have my sunglasses on. And I have not been able to buy the sunglasses attachment thing for me glasses yet. So the shade has been nice. The neighborhood is quiet- mostly cause when I walk most of the kiddos are at school. When I walk in the evenings - which sometimes I do - there is a lot more activity on the road. When I walk in the mornings - I will see others walking as well. I have meant a few really nice people by walking there. I love watching the squirrels playing chase, hearing the birds chatter, seeing the squirrels playing keep away with the dogs. It is just a great place to walk.
Another great detail to where I walk is that part of the walk is up hill and part of the walk is down hill and part of it is flat ground. That up and down is great - for challenging me. A couple of years ago when I went to the health seminar - Dr. B shared with us how when you are walking it is great to mix up your walk by walking fast or running for a bit and then going back to normal speed for a while. Well by my walking up hill and down hill - and back and forth since I go around a circle which is the hill and down hill area - I challenge myself just fine.
So now my walking is much easier and easier to resist talking myself out of going. It is easy. I don't have to put any effort other than walking into it. And I love the place in which I walk. It is relaxing and great for my soul.
And if I get tired of where I am walking - I can always go back to the park and walk on the rail. I have options and that is great!
I hope you, too, have a place near your home that you are able to walk. It's really good for you. :o)
**********************
Ok - for those of you that prayed for me about my dentist appointment, I just want to report that it went great - so much better than I thought it would. Thanks for the prayers :O)
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