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jdesco311
Member

Let's Get Moving Challenge

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Today is a happy day darn it!   I've been smoke free for 38 days today.  I've been on my pity potty just moping around.  I get home from work and lay down and watch television all night.  I sleep the weekend away.   I have no interest in doing anything at all.  Sometimes I don't even want to leave the office because there's nothing to look forward to when I get home.  (I used to sit on my beautiful deck and have a wonderful glass of red wine with my smokes, before I start dinner).  Not anymore.  It's the depression I experience ever time I quit.   For those of you who don't know me, I've quit many times (one time for four years!)  It's like there is simply no more enjoyment in life.  I can't enjoy a glass of wine because it is my number one trigger -- alcohol.  I've learned that lesson  more than once.   I'm far from an alcoholic, but I do enjoy going out and having a few drinks on occasion (in addition to my glass or two of red when I get home).  I haven't had a drink since my quit date of May 1, 2017.   BLAH, BLAH, BLAH...

BUT NOT THIS TIME!!!!!  No, no, no.  This time I'm going to do something different.  I refuse to go down the same road.  What's that famous saying by Einstein?  "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result?"  Well, insanity no more my friends.  I've decided to get off my couch and get my lazy butt moving.  This weekend I'm going to start living an active lifestyle.  I used to enjoy hiking, biking and kayaking and I do none of it anymore.  Everybody says that one of the best things for depression is getting outside and exercising.  Spring and sprung and there is no better time than now to start this challenge.

I'm looking for fellow Ex'ers to join me in my activity challenge.    I'm calling it the "Let's Get Moving" Challenge because I hate the word exercise.  Not only do I hate the word, I hate actually exercising.  LOL.  But really, all joking aside, I really do hate it.  But, I know it's the best thing for me.  I don't want to fail again.  I will fail if I don't try something different to get me out of this funk.

So, I challenge all of you to join me.  I'm going to try to "get moving" at least 4 times a week.  I'll stay accountable to all of you, which in turn will make me accountable to myself.  I promise to post my accomplishments and I welcome you to do the same.  Now that it should be easier for us to breathe, whadda-ya-say?  Do you want to take this journey with me?  Any activity counts, as long as you get off your butt and get your heart pumping.  Who knows, maybe we'll lose a little weight or a couple of inches in the meantime.

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2,527 Replies
JACKIE1-25-15
Member

Great job keeping it moving.  I am just one of the old ladies that refuse to call her self an old lady.  I am a SSS....

Sexy Senior Sitizen. !!!!!!  lol Keep it movin'

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shashort
Member

Wow sounds like we all are on track. elvan‌ haha you got me giggling when you said one knee on the noodle and do the breast stroke. I visualized me doing that and soon as knee went on noodle I would be face 1st in water. Thank goodness for water landing lol. Need suggestions:  Does anyone have any suggestions how I can tone my upper body?  Here is my delimma... I have tried using exercies bands and they slip out of my left hand and tried using hands weights yesterday and fortunately only 3 lbs and the one in left hand landed on my foot. Yikes I need to save my toes. Afterall, I need one for a thumb lol. Thanks!!!!

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YoungAtHeart
Member

Maybe put some small cans in a large sock and drape it over your wrist and lift THAT?  As long as you have some resistance, you are getting a benefit.   Other than that, I got nothing!!!

YoungAtHeart
Member

I think I might ask the PT person to DEMONSTRATE that particular noodle/breast stroke combo.  Dollars to donuts she READ it somewhere and thought it might be a good idea.  I cannot IMAGINE anybody being able to do that!!!  I'm a swimmer and I KNOW I couldn't - even without a broken leg!

Giulia
Member

shashort  Yes, I DO have a suggestion:  wrist weights.  

        

They come in different shapes and weights.  Walmart has them.  GO FOR IT GIRL!

Didn't mean to not mention you Nancy and Jackie.  I must have been writing while you were posting otherwise I would have included you in my Rah Rahs.  

YoungAtHeart
Member

Why didn't I think of that.  G - you are brilliant!

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Giulia
Member

One other thing, Sassy which Nancy's response spurred in my brain.  You can wrap the resistance band around your WRIST (make a secure loop - and not slip knot!) and attach it to a table leg or chair leg or your husbands neck if you're pissed at him!  If you attach it to both wrists you can do amazing stuff that way.  Opening your hands opposite each other will work the triceps (that flabby turkey waddle part under our arms).  Also you can vary the muscles used by either having your thumbs up as you do it, or thumbs down as you do it.  Subtle changes like that make a difference.  True with free weight also.  I was told by one Physical Therapist that she didn't recommend front raises with thumbs pointing  at it each.  Better for the rotator cuff to do it with the thumbs pointing up.  There's a lot to learn in this exercise/strengthening stuff we do to protect what we've got.  There are less harmful ways to do what we want to achieve (especially at an older age) that will enable us to achieve what we want longer.

Giulia
Member

JACKIE1-25-15   I can't WAIT to get back to some kind of cardio workout.  THAT's what takes the calories off.  It's hard to stay motivated week after week, month after month, year after year.  I know.  I've done Jane Fonda (still do her old OLD weight workout), Richard Simmons stomach!  I've done the Firm (Fabulous and really hard!), I've done step aerobics (my favorite!), I've done several other video tapes that I've found at thrift shops.  Some WAY beyond my capabilities - even 10 years ago.  I think it's extremely important to vary our routines.  Because it just gets so damn boring after years of the same thing.  New exercise routines keep us sparked.  The Tai Chi class I took YEARS ago, is something I want to get back to.  It takes focus and centering and is VERY strengthening when you do it correctly. It's also very nourishing.  Because it's all  about balance and stretching.  At least from my very brief sojourn into it - that's what I perceived.   Waxing on.  Now waxing off.  Gotta eat dinner.  And add some MORE calories!  lol

YoungAtHeart
Member

I did Tai Chi for a couple of years and LOVED it!  THEN I broke my shoulder.  If I am ever put all back together at one time, I intend to get back to it.  I love my swimming, too! 

I'll get there - I hope!

Nancy

shashort
Member

Thanks for he brilliant ideas @YoungAtHeart and Giulia‌. Wow wrist weights duh didn't even think of them. lol  Hmmmm that one with tying the band using hubby's neck sounds quite tempting tonight.  Think I will show him the new excercise I learned lol. Going to walmart tomorrow.