Wellness
Changing The Way We Exercise As We Age
I am by nature a couch potato, and I am unspeakably clumsy. When I was young, because I was so un-coordinated, I could not ride a bicycle until the 5th Grade.
Since then, I have made several decisions for my own safety. For example, I do not ride bicycles, and I walk up and down stairs very carefully, holding the bannister. (I have learned all this from far too many sprained ankles.)
In my early-40’s, I decided reluctantly that I needed to start exercising. After five years of running and lifting weights, I felt better. I even ran two half-marathons in Vancouver.
I then realized my muscles were stiff, and that I still wasn’t flexible.
Now, my exercise regime is different. I walk rather than run because I love to look at the flowers and the birds I see on my way. I started doing Iyengar Yoga, which is slow and deliberate. I sought help for my Scoliosis, which had never been formally diagnosed before.
And when I turned 60, I decided to begin the most difficult activity I could imagine: Beginner Ballet.
My exercise regime now includes walking, Iyengar Yoga, scoliosis exercises, and ballet.
By sharing my exercise experiences, I hope you will be inspired to discover what you love to do, and what brings you joy.
Inspiration to begin
I have read many books on exercise which have influenced me. Some are written by people I know, whom I admire greatly.
“Younger Next Year” and “Younger Next Year for Women”
This excerpt resonated with me, and frightened me. I paid attention.
A lot of people unconsciously assume that they will get-old-and-die: one phrase, almost one word, and certainly one seamless concept. That when they get old and infirm, they will die soon after, so a deteriorating quality of life does not matter. That is a deeply mistaken idea and a dangerous premise for planning your life. In fact, you will probably get-old-and-live. You can get decrepit, if you like, but you are not likely to die; you are likely to live like that for a long, long time.
“I Know I Should Exercise but …”
I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Sweeny at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, many years ago. He also introduced me to the pleasures of bird watching.
This is my favorite excerpt from his book:
The question I am asked most often is, “How do I find the time to exercise?”. I don’t believe time is the real reason you don’t exercise. Most excuses stem from unhealthy attitudes about physical activity. Maybe you look at exercise as a chore or a form of punishment. If you think of exercise as an unpleasant task, no wonder you don’t have time for it! You probably don’t have time to take out the garbage, either.
Joe Sweeney has also evolved his exercise regime over the years, and tells his own story on his website.
Dr. Art Hister’s Guide to Living a Long and Healthy Life
This is a very funny and well-written book.
My favorite excerpt is:
What is the single most important thing you can do to increase your chances of living longer and staying healthy? (Hint: It begins with E, and it’s not “Eat.”)
I have known Art Hister for many years. He is a kind and lovely man.
I was even a (terrified!) guest on his call-in radio show many years ago.
He posts regularly on his website.