move

 

I was fed up but it took me 3 weeks to get there. So I decided to move.

At the end of January, after suffering for 3 weeks with chronic low back, hip, and leg pain…after several chiropractic adjustments, some x-rays, and lots of ibuprofen, and nothing appeared to be wrong,  I was advised to move. Move my body more, that is.

I was reluctant because I am kind of lazy by nature when it comes to formal exercise. I like to walk or hike outside. I DON’T like that gym, AT.ALL.

But Folks, it’s been one hell of a winter in Minnesota. So cold you would die, literally, if you were outside for more than 5 minutes at a time. And it is not letting up anytime soon. If it is not Polar Bear cold out, they sky is dropping some serious snow on us. Can you tell I am ready for Spring?…I’m all singing. “where have all the flowers gone?” Seriously!

Well I gave in to Old Man Winter, and got a gym membership just so I could walk on the treadmill. I admit, I was a bit of the unbeliever when I was told that walking on the treadmill alone was going to cure this most annoying pain but I am here to tell you it has! It took about a 1 1/2 weeks to really make a difference but now that I am in my 3rd week of walking 3-5 times per week, that annoying pain is gone!

PLUS I have also added an hour of Yoga 1 day a week at a cute little studio, and I absolutely love it. I have always loved Yoga from the first time I tried it. It is challenging but it is so gentle. I will admit right now am not the girl who will be a runner(I don’t like my lungs burning or the pounding against the pavement) or pumping weights like a maniac at the gym. It is just not my style. I like gentle but effective exercises like Yoga, Walking, Hiking, and Pilates.

My ultimate plan is to get to 2-3 days per week for Yoga,( 2 days at the studio, and one day at home) on top of my 3-5 days of walking for 30 minutes on the treadmill. I might even throw in a day of Pilates if I am feeling super ambitious.

As I get older I can clearly see that inactivity is NOT my friend. This body needs to move or it starts to get belligerent and nasty, wreaking all sorts of havoc in the neighborhood.

It’s all about baby steps! I started on the very lowest level on the treadmill, 3 days a week for 30 minutes. I have now moved up a level, with a higher incline and a faster speed because I feel just a little bit stronger than I did when I started.  I am also to the point where if I don’t go walking my body starts to crave it. That is when I know things are really moving in the right direction.

What are you doing this winter to keep active? If you are not being active and getting exercise, what is keeping you from doing so?

Enjoy The View~ Jenifer