I often do things and then wish that I didn't. This is not really one of them, but it could be. I 'waste' more money than I save sometimes. Even for a good thing. I haven't even told hubby yet what I did. Not that it is a bad thing. It is a good thing. It's a deep desire that I have to do, and have had, but he has always managed to make me quit for one reason or another. Not so much 'makes' me quit, as I get tired of the fussing and questions and 'instructions' - that I just quit. So what did I do?
I ordered an exercise bench. I know, I've had one a couple times throughout the past 35 or so years and used only a few times. Then we got rid of it. But, I really do need to strengthen my body, especially as I am getting older. It will prevent me from falling, and if I do fall, I won't break bones as easily. I see how my older sister is at just 6 years older than I and how she is constantly falling. Of course she blames it on her rheumatoid arthritis, and it may be so, but she doesn't rise about it and strengthen her muscles, which would keep her from falling.
I have a dear friend who has had RA for years and she faithfully goes to the gym every day to work out or when it is closed, will take a six mile or so walk, just to keep her muscles strong. I've seen the difference in the two. I don't want to be weak and unable to do things because I didn't take care of myself while I can. (and yes, I'm envious of my daughter in love's muscles - not from 'working out', but lifting patients!) So, I have bought this bench, which should arrive around January 6th.
I have a few hand weights and bands and have been using them infrequently. I like to do my workouts in private. Yes, we have belonged to gyms forever, it seems. I cancelled mine when we moved because we HAVE to pay into the rec center here where we now live. Not that I had been going to the one I belonged to because it was closed due to COVID. This one closes occasionally. But for now, it appears to be open. We stopped by one (there are 5-6 gyms that we can go to, for which we pay the required yearly fee) the other day while we were out because hubby has decided that he and another friend will start working out 'after the first of the year'.
When I met hubby, he took every vitamin from A to Z and whatever he could find. He worked out six days a week. Over the years finances prevented him from buying all those vitamins, and his workouts got less and less. You would think that once he 'retired' 13 years ago he would frequent the gyms more often and have a life focused on his health. Nope. That didn't happen. For both of us, we haven't been to the gym at all since we moved here 6 months ago. I take that back - hubby went once about a month ago and was gone 20 minutes. When he got home I commented I thought he was going to work out - to which he responded 'I haven't worked out in 6 months so I only did a couple things as I have to work up to it.' Ok. What do I know about working out.
At one time I had numerous exercise videos (and I did do them occasionally), other gym equipment that I could use, but the one I used the most was my treadmill. I bought it probably 10 years ago and I used it a lot, especially when in a walking/step challenge. Unfortunately, I had to give it up when we moved as I just have no space for it. BUT I have two rec centers within 3 miles of me that I can go to either one and walk on the treadmill. It's just doing it. I will go to the rec center to use the treadmill. It will get me out of the house for at least an hour. The rec center we go to the cafe at occasionally also has shuffleboard, a bowling alley, swimming pools, fitness center, and I think pickleboard. I can get exercise easily at any of them.
I guess because I am uncomfortable with my body being 'fluffy' that I don't want to work out with weights (and also because I'm not always sure what to do - even with my books - and hubby wants to always help me by telling me what to do, because he knows so much about weight-lifting) so that is my reason for buying the weight bench. I've been doing what I can here at home, and I'm content to work out with the weights in my own home. I'm not trying to bulk up anyway, just get rid of some fluffy-ness. And I can do it in my jammies at home. And with working from home, if I choose to take a break and walk over to the bench, I can do a few things just to MOVE.
We are to take care of the bodies that God has given us. We should eat better (all of us, including me!) and feed our bodies only what it needs and only the good things that it needs. But, I have to confess, the cheetos and some of the chocolate I got for Christmas are long gone. And a few other snacks that I got. I think I need to make a list of things and give to hubby so that he will know what GOOD things to put in my stocking next year. But I love chocolate, especially dark chocolate, and that's good for you, right? I've read somewhere that it was. And in moderation it is good for you, I'm sure. But when my brother or my sister send me a box of chocolates (yes, they both did) and I eat nearly every piece all by myself over the course of a couple weeks, I think moderation is out the window.
So in the meantime, as I wait for the weight bench, I will continue doing what I'm doing with the weights and bands that I have. I will be 72 next year - and I am still working. If I start eating better I will take better care of my mind, and my body. Cause the junk food that I eat also dulls my mind and prevents me from thinking clearly. I need to rid myself of the additional carbs and sugar that I eat so that I can think more clearly, and get rid of inflammation in my body which causes those twinges of pain occasionally. Can I do that?
Yes, with God's help and my determination I can. And you can too. I'm not talking 'new years resolutions' or even 'new years goals'. I'm not even thinking 'well, I'll start January 1'. I'm doing it NOW, and you can too. I want to exercise and eat right so that I can live to that old age I've asked God for. But I want to be able to take care of myself to the end of that old age. I rarely see anyone now (except hubby); if I'm put in a nursing facility in my old age, I would see people less. How can I live life if I'm stuck in a place I can't leave? So I must take care of myself so that I can live later.
And so can you. It's a choice. Yes, we all have aches and pains for various reasons. We all have excuses. Can't walk? Get an exercise bike. Overweight? Cut back on your portions, and on snacks. And, in my case, since I pretty much do all the cooking, I need to start cooking better and not use so much pasta. And leave the crackers and bread alone. And the chips. Oh how I love the salty chips. And popcorn. sigh.
God wants me healthy and strong.... and so do I. I want it not only for me, but for my family so that they don't have to worry about me as I age. I need to take care of me now, so that they don't have to take care of me later.
I have two jars of salsa left in the refrigerator... and 5 bags of chips on the counter.... yeah, need to finish those off before cutting back, right? Can't let them go to waste.
I read my son's blog this morning before I started on mine. Seems they are going car-shopping this afternoon for a grandson. Lord, please direct them to the place where they can find the perfect vehicle for this grandson. Let the seller be honest in his dealings with them, and let them get the perfect deal. It's hard to trust anyone nowadays, Lord, when it comes to cars as all they want to do is get rid of them. And for the highest price. They don't care what they pass on. So, Father, I ask that You not only direct them to the perfect car, and the perfect price, but that You will give both my son and grandson the wisdom to see any problems with the vehicle. Let them find what is needed today, so that they don't have to go back out again. Help them, Lord, because only You can. Thank You, Father, for giving them this time together to find what is needed. Thank You, Lord, for directing their path. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment