“Exercise and fun shouldn’t be used in the same sentence.”
I said and believed that for years, and I sometimes feel skeptical even yet, but I’ve found ways to make even the most boring leg lifts more fun. (Okay, somewhat, a little fun. Endurable.)
What is exercise?
This feels like a “stating the obvious” question, but for an elder, it’s not. Any significant movement can be exercise. I’m not talking about moving your fork to your mouth, of course, but many of the necessary actions you take can be counted as exercise. I used to do these in the course of a day and then try to exercise afterward, only to find myself too exhausted. When I realized every significant movement counted, I found it freeing. Examples:
- Housework-vacuuming, sweeping, mopping are all significant movements which should be counted.
- Stairs-I am way past the days I could run up the stairs. Stairs are taken slowly, one at a time. Extra points if you are dragging a load of laundry.
- Yard work-big time! Digging, raking, shovelling all count.
Tricks I use to make walking more fun
I have four or five routes I use to walk each day. Some are longer than others, but all of them can get boring after a while. These tricks help:
Take pictures. I always have my phone with me to catch something unusual. Here is a picture of the ducks huddled near the shore on a cold day. Maybe you see some red berries against a stark grey sky. In the spring, from the early days of March, I go on a treasure hunt looking for and photographing signs of spring. Nature has all kinds of surprises for you. If you’re totally stuck, take a selfie to prove you went for a walk today. - Take a friend. When I walk with someone, the time passes quickly.
- Take your (or someone else’s) dog. My dog’s need for exercise is a great motivator, even when he’s less than enthusiastic at first.
- Take an audiobook. I absolutely love getting lost in a book while I walk.
- Take music. Music can quicken your step and lighten your mood as you go.
Try something new
I realize physical limitations might keep you from the tennis courts or the baseball diamond, but focus on what you can do.
I just told my husband we are going swimming this summer. I love swimming, but hate chlorine, so I much prefer lakes to pools. Now that I’ve said it out loud, it will happen.
Try exploring new places. My girlfriend and I love small towns, and Ontario is full of fascinating ones. What a great way to get your steps.
I have an exercise bike in my living room. It’s there because if it was down the basement, I could ignore it. Days when the weather is too miserable to walk, I get on the bike. By the way, I got it cheap from Facebook Marketplace, so not a huge investment.
What about chair yoga? I kept seeing ads for it, but when I went to the sites, they required payment. I did some research and found a wonderful physiotherapist who has programs which are adaptable to all fitness levels, including people in wheelchairs. Here is an easy 10 minute one to start. https://youtu.be/oumzMyqK-2I?si=TR8bC6VlaHYLX0xQ
If you’ve mastered that, here’s a 30 minute one to challenge you a bit.
https://youtu.be/e6QHRS7DR3k?si=jHyQz1QoxANN1uXI
Add accountability
My watch is my accountability. Also my new husband. I bought him a watch, and we have friendly competitions all the time. I’ve closed all three rings on my watch for so long, I went through real stress when I had my knee replacement surgery, wondering how I could keep my perfect record. However, I got up early the day of surgery to close the exercise ring with 30 minutes on the bike. As soon as I woke after surgery, I started bed exercises to close the move ring. And my bladder ensured I got the stand ring closed! The next day was tougher, but time with physio and the ordeal of getting home helped me close my rings. I know it’s dumb, but I’m just short of closing my rings for 1250 days in a row. Yeah, me.
But you don’t need an Apple Watch. Tell someone. Ask them to check up on you. Boast to them. Write it down. You need accountability to keep you going on days when no part of you feels like it.
Your future depends on it.
CLICK TO TWEET