I met Abi after my first trainer left to deliver her child. My daughters were concerned that I would need something to do and wanted to make sure that I was in shape for my backcountry Canadian ski adventure. For over a year my daughters worked out with me twice a week. Best shape I had been in for years. As you may know Katie gave birth to her first child, Clio four months ago and Megan had Margie three months ago. Long story but I took over four months off from my workouts, I still walked every day almost always hitting my 10,000 step goal. I am 66 which probably speeds up the deterioration but that first week of strength training and flexibility work left me barely able to walk. Both of my daughters had a similar painful reintroduction or at least they said so to make me feel better. Three weeks later, I am pleased with my progress but still in a bit of pain. The moral to my experience, stay in shape. This month Abi suggested we set an individual goal for ourselves- mine was to remind each of us to keep moving each day.
In a recent Time Magazine article entitled “6 more Reasons to Get up and Move” the author begins “Exercise can make your muscles pop and your vibe more chill. New research is finding out why it’s the path to strength and well being.” Daily exercise has always been a part of my coping regimen. Turns out it has proven positive effects. Yoga and meditation have effects beyond feeling relaxed in the moment. “Psychological stress can cause inflammation in the body which left unchecked can impair physical and mental well being.” “National guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week.” It appears from the research you can get nearly the same effect if those minutes are spread out over the week or happen on the week end. A recent European survey suggests the 150 minutes reduces your chance of dying early from any cause by 30-35%. That is a big payback on your time and great for family and perhaps your health insurance carrier. The article goes on to discuss how exercise affects stress at work, the benefits of strength training, some good news on the positives of running even for your knees, and concludes with your brain. “Aerobic exercise, like running or swimming, appears to be best for your brain health. That’s because it quickly increases a person’s heart rate, pumping more blood north to the noggin.”
There are so many funny and inspirational exercise quotes I had to stop googling them. I liked these. “I joined a health club last year; spent 400 bucks. Haven’t lost a pound. Apparently you have to show up.” “I have a personal trainer. She makes me chase rabbits through the woods three times a day at a dead run. She also has 4 legs and a tail.” If you don’t have a dog or Abi get someone you like to join you in your quest for a longer, happier, healthier life.
Enjoy the week end. Mike.