Swimming is great for aerobic exercise but my ageing body (and yes, it is ageing!) needs to do weight bearing exercise to try and ward off osteoporosis etc (I'm not sure what the etc refers to but I'm sure it's not very nice!) That is why I was at the gym first thing this morning trying to look keen and alert. The instructor had the measure of me in minutes. He took me down to the area that housed the bikes, treadmills and some curious 'bit of an escalator' machines. He said that we would ignore the upstairs which he referred to as 'testosterone land', with weights stacked on holders and machines that conjured up 'torture chamber' images.
My gym programme is simple and sensible - for a start. The bike only takes me up and down a few gentle hills, the treadmill is set to the mildest of undulations, then there's the 'bit of an escalator' machine. That may take me some time to get used to but I shall persevere.
Instead of 'testosterone land' he handed me a strip of bright pink rubber and a detailed printed sheet of exercises. "You can even do them at home," he said so if you'll excuse me, I'm off to do some hamstring curls followed by triceps extensions and reverse crunches......but first of all I'll have a coffee and donut because not only is it Chanukah when it is mandatory to eat donuts (we enjoy lots of fried foods this week to remember the miracle of the one-day's worth of oil that burned in the temple for eight days) but also, all this talk about curling, extending and crunching has given me quite an appetite.
Happy Chanukah and well done on your exercise regime. I can pass on the donuts but not the !atkes!
ReplyDeleteAnd happy Chanukah to you, thank you. I love homemade latkes. Not so keen on the frozen variety.
Deletedo an extra crunch for me, as I crunch into Christmas cookies. But seriously, every little step and effort is a 'good thing" and shall help overall health. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteChristmas cookies?! No! I'm not listening...la la la la!!
DeleteYou are a brave woman, Ros - do tell us how you feel in the spring, especially if you feel smugly wonderful!
ReplyDeleteRest assured, Jo, if I'm feeling smugly wonderful you will all hear about it.
DeleteHi Ros - well done ... I thought about swimming these last few years - well perhaps in 2016 with a new hip I might be able to swim. I must make a real effort next year - I started off ok this year - then reverted to form ...
ReplyDeleteHave a peaceful season - all the best Hilary
I know what you mean, Hilary. There are many times when I think maybe I won't bother going swimming then I'm in the water and I'm loving it and really glad I made the effort.
DeleteI've been going swimming too Ros. I also joined the gym and had an exercise routine made for me. I just can't do the bike and find the escalator one hard. I like the weight machines,rowing machine and the treadmill. I also do Zumba ad aerobics for over fifties and a dance class. Unfortunately haven't loss much weight but my lungs are much better. Keep persevering and you will enjoy it,I never thought I'd ever do any exercise.
ReplyDeleteYou put me to shame, Ros. I used to run and go to gym, but the most I do is walk now although I am always busy with my barge, so that keeps me quite fit. Oh and cycling to work when the weather allows, but a regular routine is something I don't have now....I must get out more. Well done you and I hope it works although the swimming must be very good for you already!
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