Saturday Story Time-Keep Moving

Todays’ story time is generalized because it is one of my pet peeves. It is something that I have heard soooo many times over the years and comes from predominantly seniors but I am noticing it more and more in younger people. They complain about being in pain, want a magic pill, not do anything else for it, and tell me that they can’t exercise because they are in pain. URGH!!!

Did you ever think that you are in pain because you don’t move around? Yes, there are people in real pain. Pain that is debilitating. The pain that I am talking about is because they sit on their butts watching TV, don’t move except to move a little around the house, the arthritis starts to set in and so now they can’t move ‘cause they’re in pain. I am 59 years old, have dealt with chronic sciatica for 32 years, and am developing arthritis in my hands, feet, and hips. I know that the only way I will be able to deal with the pain and keep moving is by keeping moving. I work out 5 days a week. I do exercises that are appropriate for the issues I deal with and add exercises as needed. If you were to ask me what I do, it’s complicated as it is different each day. Basically, it comprises aerobics, weight training, and stretches. On top of that, I will go for long walks on the beach, without shoes and through all different types of sand, this is not always easy, and I will go for bike rides. I will, hopefully, have surgery soon to correct a hiatal hernia and am already planning my exercise routine for that recovery. I know that if I stop moving that the pain will take over and you might as well put me in a wheelchair and that is just not acceptable.

So, for all of those people throughout the years who complain of pain, you need to move. You start slowly. Small hand weights and/or exercise bands are really easy to use while you sit in front of the TV. If you are comfortable with the computer, look up basic exercises for you. If not, talk to your doctor and a physical therapist. It’s about getting started with something, anything, and building upon it. You don’t have to run a marathon, just be able to walk across a room or to go get the mail and not be in pain or huffing and puffing. It’s about maintaining a quality of life. It’s also beneficial for your mood and makes you feel good from head to toe.

With it being a Saturday, get yourself up and start moving. Go outside to the mailbox, walk to the corner, just do something small to get started. Each day you can add a little more and before you know it the pain will lessen some and you will regain more mobility. Over time you will feel better, trust me.

Until next time,

                Have a Healthy Day