I'm very unfit.. don't know what happened. I've not run anywhere for years neither can I jump, but I used to be able to balance on one leg and now I wobble!
I think in the winter we hardly went out, cold and wet is not me, altho; I used to go out walking, if it wasn't raining, but this year we didn't.
When I was in the garden yesterday I went to bend over to grab a dandelion flower to stop it seeding, as digging it up is a big spade job, they have such a deep tap root, and I suddenly felt nervous. I was afraid I'd over balance, so got my walking stick and I was fine. But I didn't like that feeling and I remembered over balancing the year before last, and going down like a tree being felled.. so I need to exercise and do some balancing exercises.
I did try to find a class, but none here suitable for me. Lots of people gave me names but really not for me! I can't see me in leggings moving to music. I did a few years ago, but that's not me anymore. We have a treadmill so I must give it a go, its just so boring!!
However I am doing a virtual walk, Kirsten ( letterfromhome) mentioned the Conqueror virtual walks, and so I'm doing that logging my daily steps.. its encouraged me and keeps me focused!
I'm not going to be able to run a marathon, but I am aiming to walk further than a mile, I can't at the moment.
Any ideas?
Chrisxx
Like you, I have been indoors for most of this winter. DH has brought home several respiratory viruses which he shrugs off but which have laid me low.
ReplyDeleteOur local leisure centre does a subsidised, “Forward to health” 3 month course with gym, swimming and classes, off peak. There are various exercise machines and weight machines (on minimum) which I can use and I can swim a length or two, and do Tai Chi, though I do some from a chair.
I need to start with a few gentle ten minute walks.
You're probably getting 'bungalow legs' - it's a real thing! Look it up! Try standing on one leg, holding on to the kitchen counter if necessary, working up to 30 secs without holding on, also 'step ups' - at the bottom step, go up one step, bringing other foot next to it, then down one step, alternating which foot steps up and which step joins it. Finally 'sit to stand'; from a dining chair sit straight, and stand up without using your arms, and then sit down again. Easier if the seat is higher. If you do a few of these every day you should improve strength and balance; I have the same issue. Not using stairs (I use a stair lift) has a big effect on leg strength. You can find these exercises on Internet, just take it gently, little and often at you own pace. No leggings required!
ReplyDeleteTry balancing on one leg and then the other while you clean your teeth or wait for the kettle to boil. If you feel wobbly the sink or worktop is within easy reach. You will be surprised how quickly your balance improves.
ReplyDeleteThis was one of the late Michael Mosley's Just One Thing tips.
Any movement is better than none and the treadmill is a great idea. I go to Pilates twice a week now and love it, it's great for balance, I couldn't do a class where you'd have to jump about either.
ReplyDeleteJust remember. Slow and steady wins the race. You'll get there. The important thing is that you're working on things. If you look online, there are all kinds of free exercises that focus on strength and balance that we all need as we age.
ReplyDeleteAll good suggestions, and the key is to do whatever you do regularly, little by little, building up balance and core strength.
ReplyDelete