I remember when my niece, Jenn, discovered marathon running. After four children, she was heavier than she wanted to be, and wanted to be her healthiest self. She’d always been a person of incredible discipline, and she brought this to running. She completed a 5 km. run, then a half marathon, then full marathons. She trained through blistering Manitoba summers and freezing Manitoba winters, running in the dark so she could be back home when her children woke up. She ran with injuries which caused her to limp across the finish line, but she always crossed it. Every time.
Many times, I stood watching her limp through the last kilometres, pain etched across her face. I loved her to bits, I respected her, but no part of me understood her.
I hate exercise.
From the moment I could toddle on my feet, I preferred not to. I wouldn’t know an endorphin if it bit me. A cozy fireplace, a good book and a blanket are my idea of a good time. If it’s a long book, then that’s my marathon.
But…
You can get away with that attitude in your 20s and 30s, but it starts to catch up with you. All kinds of repercussions begin–physical, mental, emotional. Much as I hate to admit it, our bodies were designed for exercise, and not doing it affects every part of us negatively.
How about you? Did you make a resolution to be more active this year? How’s it going?
This month I’d like to look at exercise from all angles, but especially positive ones. Because Jenn was right in so many ways. I don’t have to run marathons or get up before dawn to train, but I do have to do some form of exercise every day. I need to find things I can do rather than focussing on what I can’t. I need to find ways to make it fun. I need to be accountable.
And so do you. So let’s look at it and find some answers.
Why do elders need exercise?
- Lack of physical exercise can lead to more illness and the consumption of more medications.
- Exercise enhances balance, which means fewer falls.
- Improve strength, leading to more independence.
- Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, improves blood pressure.
- Improves mood and risk of depression.
- Can improve cognitive function.
- Improves bodily functions such as bowels.
- Can improve overall health and the ability to fight illnesses.
- Improves sleep.
- Helps you feel more in control.
- Increases energy (to play with grandchildren!)
That’s a lot of positives. What are the negatives?
- Exercise takes time.
- You need to be consistent.
- It hurts. But with me, everything hurts all the time, so I might as well move. And regular movement leads to less pain.
- There can be some financial outlay, although this isn’t necessary.
- I can’t think of anything else.
But, I’m probably preaching to the converted here. You’ve known for years that you need to do some form of exercise. You’ve started many times. But life gets in the way, lack of motivation grounds you and (dare I say it?) laziness has you putting your feet up rather than getting them moving.
I know. Me, too.
Until four years ago, when I started to take the need for exercise more seriously. There are many exercises I can’t do, so I focus on the ones I can. I have a motivator which makes me complete some form of exercise every single day. I walk with a cane and deal with chronic pain, but I walk 2-4 km. a day.
How?
Stay tuned.
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Anne, I needed to hear this. I’m not good at scheduling since I’ve retired. Writing time and grand babies have taken over my exercise time. I do feel better when I’m active. Thanks for the B encouragement.
Thanks, Deanna! I’m just about to publish this week’s blog, where I talk about what keeps me motivated. I find I need something to keep me accountable.