On the radio this morning they said that women over the age of 30 run the risk of heart disease if they don't exercise regularly. They said that we should do at least 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week. This is a worry!
Firstly, it's a long, long time since I celebrated my 30th birthday and secondly, I spend far too much time sitting at this computer. I'm lucky if I do 30 minutes exercise a week, never mind five times a week. It was time for drastic action.For several months my friend has been trying to persuade me to join her at a Caribbean Dance Exercise Class. It couldn't be more convenient as it's only on the corner of my street. So this morning, in deference to the health of my heart, I finally succumbed. The lady who runs it is lovely. She has an infectious grin and her enthusiasm, together with the lively music, kept me on the move for a whole 45 minutes!
I have just returned.
I am still conscious.
I am typing this whilst sipping coffee and slowly recovering.
Tomorrow I may feel differently but right now I'm pleased I went. Most of the others there are about my age so I didn't feel too old and I survived it with enough energy to walk home again. What more can I ask?
Well, that's today's exercise sorted. Now, what to do for the next four days?
How many times a week do you manage 30 minutes of exercise?
(If the answer is six times or more then please just comment about the weather! Thank you!)
That sounds fun but I couldn't survive 45 minutes. I sure don't need to talk about the weather. Actually I have heard, in recent weeks, that 30 minutes a day is not necessary, 10 mins intensive Then there is 30 mins three times a week. There are all kinds of new recommendations out there lately. As you know, I bowl twice a week and that's all I do. I have a treadmill but haven't used it lately.
ReplyDeleteI think I prefer the 10 minute advice. I've got an exercise bike but I keep forgetting to use it. How pathetic does that sound? OK, what I mean is that I haven't used it lately either!
DeleteSpeaking as someone who is well over 30 and actually HAS heart disease because I didn't exercise in the past I can honestly say that you don't have to do 30 minutes five times a week. 20 minutes four or five times a week or 30 minutes three times a week is plenty (and that's from a cardiologist!) You also don't have to do exercise classes. I swim/gym for half an hour twice a week (because I enjoy it) and get the rest of the workout by walking - just as part of my daily life. I probably walked up and down the stairs at work (19 of them) about eight times yesterday. And yes, my doctor says that counts.
ReplyDeleteI've tried going to a gym but I really don't enjoy it. I'm a weak swimmer so I get nervous out of my depth and my work consists of sitting at this computer so I don't do much walking during the day. I shall do my best to add some alternative exercises in-between classes because, although my blog post was a little bit flippant, I do know how important exercise is.
DeleteWalked round the shops today - does that count? Oh and I had toast and tea mid-morning. And lunch!
ReplyDeleteNo I'm afraid it doesn't count, neither does the toast!
DeleteYou did great and now it's time for a rum punch drink - preferably with an umbrella in it. My husband and I have been trying to walk after work - I'll say we do hit 3 days a week for 30 minutes. And I do yard work - like mow on the weekends. I need more exercise, that's for sure. Dance a few minutes for me next time.
ReplyDeleteI have a very fussy husband/gardener so it would be useless me mowing. He'd only do it again. It sounds as if you're on top of the exercise regime!
DeleteWell, I exercise my judgement regularly... does that count? And with all the typing I do, my fingers are quite lovely and lithe. (Actually, they aren't!)
ReplyDeleteI always have the best of intentions about getting more exercise. For a while, I even tried setting my timer to go off every hour while I worked at the computer so I could get up and exercise for five to ten minutes. Then even that fell away. Housework and walking is about it these days. I used to work out religiously every morning, and had my own building filled with gym equipment in our back yard. Then I got sick and couldn't exercise for a long while, and my hubby asked (oh-so innocently like) if he could "temporarily" store a "few things" in the building. You see where that's going, right? Yep, the work-out gear got squeezed out, and he's completely taken over the building. Oh well. Maybe all those years of working out will carry me over a little longer... (Yeah, riiiiight.)
But good for you! The fact that the dance class is so nearby and you enjoyed it bodes well for you continuing.
You had your own private gym?! Wow! I think your husband should restore it to its former glory and let you get on with pumping iron!
DeleteCarribean dance sounds a lot more fun than my 20 minutes of walking every day, though I have decided to add a few stretches when I get home and before my shower.
ReplyDeleteI used to walk when we had the dog but it just makes me feel sad if I walk the same route now.
DeleteThat sounds different. I've just joined the gym cuz I have been very laxy and need to get fitter again. We shall see...
ReplyDeleteMaybe we should compare notes in a few months' time and see if we're both still 'at it'!
DeleteGood idea! Lets do that. I'm useless at any exercise classes that involve dancing or music as zero coordination.
DeleteGosh well done you!!¬ I try to walk, briskly, at least every other day..but am aware of the creaky joints.... Have lovely mental pic of you strutting your funky stuff!!!
ReplyDeleteI was concerned about the creaky joints but it is now over 24 hours since the class and I can still move so it hasn't done me any harm... I hope!
DeleteI love this image too, Ros, especially seeing the little animated lady. I just think of that as you! I do exercise quite a bit as it's sort of the way of life here. Cycling everywhere and walking a lot are just part of life. As for the real aerobic stuff, well does three times a week jogging about 2 miles count. It's actually just under four kilometres, but I don't know what that is in miles anymore. I don't do more, because like Carol, I'm aware of creaky joints!
ReplyDeleteI so wish I looked like that animated lady. I might have done once but I'm afraid the weight has piled on a bit these days. It does sound as if you're doing more than enough to keep yourself fit, Val.
DeleteI am so glad you went, that fun island music will keep anyone on their toes, I would imagine. I do walk my Samson every morning for 30 - 45 minutes, depending on the weather and how I feel. Then I work outside this time of the year, like cutting back weeds, and such. I think that counts as well. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteWe actually had a spring in Florida this year. Makes for nice walking weather.
ReplyDeleteWell done you, next time will be easier. At the moment I'm doing nothing due to being on crutches, mind you hauling my own weight about is enough! I'm desperate to get back to both walking and yoga, I miss them very much, and I hate being immobile. not to mention the pounds I'm putting on.
ReplyDeleteMy copy of Heart Matters, from The British Heart Foundation plopped onto the doormat on Friday morning, just to make me feel worse, reminding me I need to exercise more. They herald moderate intensity exercises, anything that makes you breathe harder, feel warmer, and makes your heart beat faster.
I hope you'll go back next week Ros - the hard bits over now you've started.
Well done, Ros. Dancing is fun! Every time I go to my doctor, she asks me what exercise I do. I tell her folk dancing and walking and she's happy. Once I made the mistake of expanding on the walking. "Today I had to go to xxx and I walked there and back, 45 minutes each way." "That doesn't count," she said. "You have to walk fast, and just for the purpose of exercise. You have to be sweating when you return." I've gone back to just saying I walk. She's happy and so am I. ~Miriam
ReplyDeleteOh dancing - what better way to exercise - it doesn't feel like a penance when music is involved. Keep it up, Ros!!
ReplyDeleteI manage a shimmy round the kitchen occasionally, but I don't have a car so walk everywhere - and have been known to take off with my radio and take to my Wiltshire Downs.
Hi Ros .. wish I could dance and move around like that - then I'd be out there doing it ... having a dog is the answer, but that's not always possible ...
ReplyDeleteStretching is another form .. not aerobic - but two walks a week, or a brisk 'run-around' at the supermarket would add to the rest ... I'd do stretching and run up and down stairs ... in fact that's what I intend to so - but I gather I can go swimming at the University .. as 'I'm elderly'!! I also intend to do much more walking - I need to address a few things ... so like you get off my bum and get the cells moving ..
Cheers Hilary
Your class sounds good fun. I hate exercising. At the clinic they always ask about exercising,I used to tell the truth but now I lie as I can't be bothered with the lecture. I like swimming but have to walk up a hill to the bus stop which knackers me before I even get there. Gentle strolls with toddlers and running around after them is my limit. My brain gets far more exercise than my body.
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