The Covid Effect – Exercise
Do you go to the gym?
I have had a membership at different gyms since 1980. My first gym was a small outfit owned by a couple. The wife led the aerobics class until late in her pregnancy. My routine was using a some weight resistant machines, doing the aerobic, and finishing it with 15 minutes in the spa.
I later joined the LA Fitness in 1989 and stayed with them until present. They were closed because of the lockdown.
During my twenty-five years of working, going to the gym on the weekend was not a luxury but necessary to keep me going for another week. My routine was doing yoga on Saturday, using the machines and swimming on Sunday.
When Lynton retired at the end of 2016, he wanted me to join him going to the gym. We went to the gym together for four years. Besides working out with him, I kept my weekend swimming schedule.
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, the gym closed. It was difficult for our bodies to come to a haul from a regular workout routine. Lynton kept the running schedule in a local park but needed more for the upper body. He bought a manikin to practice boxing. Gradually, he modified it to make it look like an actual person. He called him “Bob.” Punching “Bob” was still not enough exercise for him. He resurrected the dumbbell set for weightlifting.
It’s more difficult for me to adjust the workout routine. I try walk 30 to 45 minutes five days a week. When I get busy with other routine such as blogging or gardening, I conveniently forget going for my walk. I tried to do yoga with YouTube, but it was hard to stay motivated without actual people around me.
Something wonderful happened during our visit with my daughter, Mercy, and the grandkids. Mercy and I took Nora with us to go for a morning walk. She used an app Strava to track our walk. I used to have an app to track my steps, but it had too many commercials, so I uninstalled it. The one Mercy uses doesn’t have commercials, so I downloaded it. One good thing is that we can follow each other. After I downloaded the app, I followed my son-in-law, Will, and one other person. The followers could click “kudo” to show support of anyone’s walking, biking, and other athletic activities.
I now feel motivated to stay with my walking and doing the recumbent bike at home. Even though Mercy and I are not walking together physically but we keep track on each other. I was thinking about the accountability but on a second thought, no, we’re not holding each other accountable. We just want to stay in touch and cheer up each other! To me, it’s the connection, and connection, and connection that counts!
Do you go to the gym? What do you do to keep up with the exercise? I would love to hear your ideas.
These are some of the comments:
Claire Fullerton One of my favorite topics, Miriam! I taught a ballet barre/Pilates mat class in Malibu for 8 years, and although I don’t teach anymore, I stay on top of the movements as a way of being in the world. I’m at my desk a lot, and still practice what is basically a combination of yoga, ballet, and Pilates. I use free weights– never over 2 pounds because more can be taxing on cartilage and joints. Weights are great for isometric engagement, alone. All this counters the time I spend at my desk. I also recommend stretches after getting out of a hot bath. And walking is the best exercise of all. I’m of the belief use it or lose it, as the saying goes. The older I become, the more I realize it’s worth the effort.
Hedy Bach Wonderful Miriam yes yoga and walking the mutt but missing my pool and weights hoping things open up more here but who knows … spring is arriving so fun in the sun 🤞happy weekending ~ smiles Hedy ☺️💫
Chelsea Owens What a great idea! I used to go to our community gym before COVID and pregnancy, but haven’t made time for it again or felt safe yet. I mostly do YouTube videos and agree that we need yoga once a week.
Toni Pike Hi Miriam, That app looks great, thanks for that. I like walking for exercise and doing some exercises at home, so I’m not worried about the gym. But I’ve put on some Covid kilos over the last 12 months, and really need to lose them to get back in shape. Toni x
Hints of Life Great post! 👍🏻 I try getting 20 minutes run 4-5 times in a week. Somedays, nothing better than simple stretches and yoga. 😊🙏🏻
Pete Springer I was going to the gym 4-5 days a week for three years after I retired. It was the longest I’ve ever stayed that disciplined about going. I’ve never liked to run, but I did find that I felt better and got a sense of accomplishment each time I finished. Now, I haven’t gone in more than a year since the pandemic began. I walk 5-6 days a week and miss it when I don’t. I’ve put a few of the pounds back on that I lost before the pandemic. I get as much mentally from walking as I do physically. It’s where I seem to do my best thinking.
Janet Gogerty My favorite exercise apart from walking, gardening and swimming in the sea is aquarobics. Alas, even before Covid my various aquarobics classes were always disappearing – either the teacher would leave or the pool would close down! I had an app on my phone to measure walking distance, but it kept talking every time I stopped to cross the road or met someone I knew.
Stevie Turner I always walk and cycle every day. I cycle for half an hour and walk for about an hour and a half. It keeps me fit.
Elizabeth Gauffreau Between working, blogging, and writing, my home exercise routine that I’ve had for years is falling by the wayside–and I’m feeling it. I need to make a change. I think I’ll start with walking, as getting outside will be a big motivator from an enjoyment perspective.
Norah Colvin Exercise and I are only passing acquaintances, Miriam. We haven’t really got to know each other yet. I think exercise might be a bit bossy for me, and exercise doesn’t like the way I ignore them. Perhaps one day. I agree with you that it’s the connection that’s important.
Jill Weatherholt I workout each day. It’s been part of my routine for many years to combat stress. In my early 20’s, I had a membership, but I always found excuses not to go. It was raining, the traffic is terrible, etc. Investing in my own equipment works best for me. Is that a Schwinn recumbent bike? It looks exactly like the one I purchased during the pandemic after my treadmill died. I also have an elliptical, a trampoline and a stair stepper. I could start my own gym! 🙂
Barbara Vitelli Hi Miriam – I don’t go to a gym but I walk and do aerobic workouts with weights in our basement. I have been doing the same indoor workout since my twenties, when I did go to aerobics classes at a gym. I memorized the routine and have not needed to go. It’s hard to keep up with the walking when we get busy, isn’t it? I try to do a walk a few times a week and squeeze in a walk during one of my work days. I’m glad you like Strava. My sons and I use RunKeeper which is similar. It’s fun to see where each of us goes. One uses it for walking and running and the other uses it for biking.
Willow Dot I used to go to the gym three times a week for years after breaking my back, both times. Then about 5 years ago I switched to Pilates twice a week and gym twice a week. Then 4 years ago I stopped the gym and just carried on with Pilates.
During lockdown I carried on the Pilates lessons via zoom. Then I got ill so for last 8months I stopped Pilates. I now do Leslie Sansone health videos, walking for life usual a 3mile work out, plus usually I get out and walk daily. It’s not perfect but it’s better than nothing.
Alethea Kehas Hi Miriam, my kids and I convinced my husband to got a Nordic Track Peleton-like bike for Christmas and it has been the best motivator for me. I try to do five rides on it a week, which are around 30 minutes. I enjoy it because you can “travel” with the instructor to different places around the world. Other than that, I teach two Zoom yoga classes during the week, so that motivates me to get some yoga in too. And, I walk our dogs every afternoon.
John Steiner Good morning. Like you, my wife and I miss our visits to our respective gyms as well. They have opened up again, and in the next few weeks, when we get back to North Dakota, we’ll rejoin. For the duration of the lockdowns, we’ve been using the online versions of the training programs we are used to doing. Lynn does her yoga, several types, and I bought a barbell set to continue my weight training.
Though the equipment was expensive, the total cost to retrofit our home was less than the monthly fees we saved by only paying for the virtual programs available from our gyms.
Roberta Cheadle Hi Miriam, this sounds like a lot of fun. I’m glad to know you have found a way to stay connected while walking.
Jacqui Murray Great post. I don’t go to a gym–haven’t for decades–but walking here and there used to keep me in shape. Pandemic meant I couldn’t. I took up walking, often with my husband. I love the look of that app. I’m going to check it out, see if I can get my son on it (he is in Okinawa and walks all over that island!). I downloaded the app, figured out the setup and can’t wait to try it tomorrow.
Mae Clair I’m not a gym person, but I do jog five days a week. I used to do yoga, but ran into lower back issues. Now I just do stretching on top of my jogging. I’ve also got a Fitbit that lets me track steps, sleep, etc.
I’m going to have to check into the app you mentioned.
Bette A. Stevens I walk and join my Soaring Seniors group on FB since COVID. Grateful. Being part of this awesome group is not only fun, it inspires me to do the work! Thanks for sharing, Miriam!
Jan Sikes Walking and yoga stretches are my favorite forms of exercise. I have not heard of this app, but will check it out. Thanks for sharing, Miriam!
Yvette Calleiro I was walking until I formed a heel spur. Now, I’m stretching and riding my bike around the neighborhood. I’m hoping to incorporate more walking soon. Great post, Miriam. 🙂
D. Wallace Peach I’m so impressed with your dedication to staying fit, Miriam. I’m on the couch way way too much. The walking app sounds wonderful, but we don’t have walkable roads where I live – no sidewalks, sharp blind corners, and logging trucks. That said, my goal is to exercise every day for the month of April to start making it a habit and get over my initial resistance and excuses. Wish me luck and keep it up, my friend. You’re an inspiration!
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The Showers of Blessings 
Miriam, I have heard of Strava and I’m so happy you and your family are connecting on your walks through this app! You are so right, at the moment (and always) it is about connecting with others, sharing the enjoyment, and difficulties, of life! Through your walks you share the moment with them virtually, enjoying their treks! Last year we walked the same routes around the village every day, an hour a day five days a week. At the beginning of this year, I lost my motivation and was thankful Erica introduced me to The Conqueror Challenge. Even on the coldest greyest of days this gives me the nudge to head out and it’s a thrill to track my route and see the wonderful new landscapes. I’m currently in Ireland and the view are spectacular!
Wow! You have shown incredible dedication to gyms and I am in awe of you. I went for a few years but since moving South haven’t found one I liked. The last one was so stuffy I came home with colds and although they had a grand expanse of windows which could open they refused to air the place! Grrrr…
haha! Bob has me laughing, he isn’t I see! I could do with a punchbag when things get tough!😀
A great post, Miriam and inspired how you’ve included some of the comments in it – they are great to read!
Wishing you a lovely rest of the week and Happy Trails! xx ❤️
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Annika, I saw that Erica included you in The Conqueror Challenge. That app is wonderful with views. Erica is in the Iceland challenge. Did you take Ireland challenge? It’s fun to see what your buddies are doing. I just read Erica’s post yesterday and it was great to work toward a goal and get the medal at the end. My daughter and son-in-law were in a triathlon 4 or 5 years ago -swimming, biking, and running. I went there to cheer them. At the beginning of Mercy’s pregnancy with her second child, she did a duathlon by herself. I didn’t go because I had planned a trip to visit her the week before the event. It’s good that now we follow each other on our daily walking or biking.
Since I made this post, two blogging friends downloaded Strava and now we follow each other. As you said, it gives me a nudge to make time to walk even when I tried to skip it.
Happy walking to conquer the challenge, Annika! ❤
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I started off on a much scale with the challenge and completed the 90 miles Hadrian’s Wall Challenge (medal hanging proudly on my pinboard) and currently I’m a quarter of the way round The Ring of Kerry. Iceland is SO long … one day perhaps and I’m in awe of Erica for taking it on! Until Monday we were only allowed an hours walk a day which also restricted the amount we could walk a day.
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I think a 90 miles challenge is manageable, Annika. Even if you walk 3 miles a day, you could finish in a month or so. Hanging the medal on the wall surely motivate you to keep going.
My daughter also hangs her 5 medals on the wall. She may do the triathlon or duathlon again when the pandemic is over.
I think the Iceland challenge is 168 miles. Isn’t it? It was good Erica took a trip there and the scenery of the walk are familiar to her.
Your progress is great. I’m sure you could do more of there’s no restrictions on the hours of walk.
Cheering you along your walk!! 🚶🥇🏆
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Well done to your daughter and she is right to hang her medals proudly! The Iceland is 838 miles long – hence a bit daunted! Ahh … thank you for all your cheers. xx
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Oh wow, I walk about 2 miles a day. Your neighborhood has many historical sites. As I mentioned before, your walking is like a tour to me!
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I must admit to laziness, Miriam. I was good for a while but I’ve let myself slack off again. This is a great motivational post, thank you ❤
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It happened to me during Covid, Jacquie. For a while, I asked my husband to ask me to go walking with him. I also tried to find out my friends’ walking schedules to join them. It didn’t quite work out but I’ll try again to walk with a friend on weekends. ❤
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Best wishes to your month-long new release tour, Jacquie. I have to stop by to a few of the posts! ❤
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Thank you!
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You’re welcome!
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I’m so impressed with your dedication to staying fit, Miriam. I’m on the couch way way too much. The walking app sounds wonderful, but we don’t have walkable roads where I live – no sidewalks, sharp blind corners, and logging trucks. That said, jy goal is to exercise every day for the month of April to start making it a habit and get over my initial resistance and excuses. Wish me luck and keep it up, my friend. You’re an inspiration!
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I give credit to my dad to maintain my habit of exercise, Diana. When he came to visit us at the age of 84, he still stretched for 30 minutes first thing in the morning. I remember him doing that at my young age. It was quite an influence and inspiration from him. I remember fighting against the currents throughout the years to get back on the workout routine. Right now I need the exercise to keep the circulation going for better sleep. It becomes a necessity again. I used to take meds to help me sleep but I’m cutting the meds to a minimum.
The forest where you live sounds beautiful with all the trees and wildlife. I can imagine the inconvenience of walking. It would feel like adventurous hiking to me walking in your area. Best of luck with your hiking in April. 🙂 🙂
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Perhaps it will help with my sleeping too. The stress in the world seems to keep me up at night.
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I know very well about the stress in the world as well as the self-imposed stress of all sorts!
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Great post, Miriam 🙂 I used to belong to the gym, but we decided to get an elliptical and added to that. I do miss the steam room and pool, but prefer my walks now. I will have to check out your app.
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I missed the steam room and pool also, Denise. I do most of the stretching in the pool. When the gym opens, I still want to go. I didn’t use the elliptical often at the gym, perhaps I spent 30 minutes on the upper body with the machine then use the pool, and expect to walk outdoor. 🙂 See you when you come back from the break. 🙂
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I was walking until I formed a heel spur. Now, I’m stretching and riding my bike around the neighborhood. I’m hoping to incorporate more walking soon. Great post, Miriam. 🙂
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Oh no, Yvette. I hope you’re getting better with the heel spur now. My feet hurt when walking too much. It’s the lymphedema and nerve damage from chemo. I have to walk moderately. Thank you for checking out my post. 🙂
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Walking and yoga stretches are my favorite forms of exercise. I have not heard of this app, but will check it out. Thanks for sharing, Miriam!
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They are my favorite also, Jan. The app works well for me so far and my daughter gets the notifications from my activities!
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I walk and join my Soaring Seniors group on FB since COVID. Grateful. Thanks for sharing, Miriam!
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It sounds like a nice group for seniors, Bette. It’s important for me to do things with a group or some individuals to keep up the morale. Thank you for your comment!
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Being part of this awesome group is not only fun, it inspires me to do the work!
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I think it’s easier when we do things because it’s fun. I get motivated to walk every day now because my daughter will get notified when I walk!
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Hi Bette, I sent you an email. Just wanted to make sure it didn’t go to your junk folder. ❤
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I’m not a gym person, but I do jog five days a week. I used to do yoga, but ran into lower back issues. Now I just do stretching on top of my jogging. I’ve also got a Fitbit that lets me track steps, sleep, etc.
I’m going to have to check into the app you mentioned.
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I used to jog, Mae, but I do mostly walking for the last many years. I have a lower back problem for more than 20 years, so stretching has to be my routine also. I like to track my sleep but I’m not sure if I could wear something to go to sleep. I’m super sensitive and that’s the problem I have about sleeping. It may worth the try for me. I woke up at 4 am for several months. One health care worker said I should change my schedule for the high blood pressure med because it makes me wake up to go to the bathroom. I’m still making adjustments to several things to see if my sleep pattern will get better. You can uninstall the app if you don’t like it. I did the same for several apps. This one doesn’t seem to give me any problem.
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Great post. I don’t go to a gym–haven’t for decades–but walking here and there used to keep me in shape. Pandemic meant I couldn’t. I took up walking, often with my husband. I love the look of that app. I’m going to check it out, see if I can get my son on it (he is in Okinawa and walks all over that island!).
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I saw your post on walking in your neighborhood, Jacqui. It’s good you walk with your husband. My husband likes running. He walks with me around Laguna Lake but he doesn’t enjoy walking as an exercise because it’s not vigorous enough for him. It’s must be wonderful to walk all over Okinawa. The island looks so pretty. Of course with water surrounding the island. It would be so cool for your son to have the same app (Strava or similar) to keep in touch with our daily walk or exercise. I like it so far and I may walk around the lake today.
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I downloaded the app, figured out the setup and can’t wait to try it tomorrow.
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That’s great, Jacqui. I think I sent you an invite. We can follow each other.
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I got it! Now I’ll see if I can figure out how to accept it. This will be fun.
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Hi Miriam, this sounds like a lot of fun. I’m glad to know you have found a way to stay connected while walking.
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Yes, Robbie. It’s fun for me to know whether Will takes Autumn for walking or he goes riding the bike b himself or with his friends. I follow Mercy so I know whether she goes walking or riding her bike also. They click “Kudo” on my walk so they are following what I do every day also.
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Good morning. Like you, my wife and I miss our visits to our respective gyms as well. They have opened up again, and in the next few weeks, when we get back to North Dakota, we’ll rejoin. For the duration of the lockdowns, we’ve been using the online versions of the training programs we are used to doing. Lynn does her yoga, several types, and I bought a barbell set to continue my weight training.
Though the equipment was expensive, the total cost to retrofit our home was less than the monthly fees we saved by only paying for the virtual programs available from our gyms.
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It looks like your gyms survived the pandemic, John. My husband’s local 24-hour Fitness gym was closed down and they stopped charging his membership fee. My local LA Fitness changed hands. So, many gyms either filed chapter 11 to reorganize or simply filed chapter 7. There are many free programs for exercise, not too many people pay for the virtual programs. Not long after the lockdown, I’ve heard of people set up the home gym and may not go back to the gym.
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Indeed. I am concerned about my gym, but so far, it looks like it will weather the downturn.
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It’s good and things seem to get better steadily!
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Hi Miriam, my kids and I convinced my husband to got a Nordic Track Peleton-like bike for Christmas and it has been the best motivator for me. I try to do five rides on it a week, which are around 30 minutes. I enjoy it because you can “travel” with the instructor to different places around the world. Other than that, I teach two Zoom yoga classes during the week, so that motivates me to get some yoga in too. And, I walk our dogs every afternoon.
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The Nordic Track bike looks great, Alethea. I’m not a biker so I haven’t built up the high-performance strength. Our neighbor could keep up with the instructor at the gym. When the instructor got ill at the last minute, the class voted for him to take over for that hour!! I think it’s great to “travel” to different places around the world. I’ve heard of people joining a group via an app to bike around the world. I know you teach yoga and it’s good you keep up with two classes a week. Enjoy your weekend!!
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Thank you, Miriam. Have a good week. 🙂
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Have a wonderful week, Alethea! 🙂
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Thank you
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You have a great conversation going here, Miriam. I love seeing what other people are doing for exercise!
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I love to get connected with each other to do exercise, Barbara, but we all have different schedules and preferences. Just to share with each other what we’re doing is encouraging!
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Agreed!
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I used to go to the gym three times a week for years after breaking my back, both times. Then about 5 years ago I switched to Pilates twice a week and gym twice a week. Then 4 years ago I stopped the gym and just carried on with Pilates.
During lockdown I carried on the Pilates lessons via zoom. Then I got ill so for last 8months I stopped Pilates. I now do Leslie Sansone health videos, walking for life usual a 3mile work out, plus usually I get out and walk daily. It’s not perfect but it’s better than nothing.
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We go through different stages of the workout routines, Willow. I know you got ill several times but that didn’t stop you from bouncing back to workout and blogging. What a great spirit, Willow! I checked out the Leslie Sansone just now. I tried several walking, aerobics, and yoga programs but haven’t found one that is just right. This one looks good to me and I’ll download the app to try it out. Thank you for your sharing.
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I think of all the ones I have tried Leslie Sansone is the best . Thank you for your support I do appreciate it 💜
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I do want to try Leslie Sansone, Willow, after I get caught up with things a little bit. ❤
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Hi Miriam – I don’t go to a gym but I walk and do aerobic workouts with weights in our basement. I have been doing the same indoor workout since my twenties, when I did go to aerobics classes at a gym. I memorized the routine and have not needed to go. It’s hard to keep up with the walking when we get busy, isn’t it? I try to do a walk a few times a week and squeeze in a walk during one of my work days. I’m glad you like Strava. My sons and I use RunKeeper which is similar. It’s fun to see where each of us goes. One uses it for walking and running and the other uses it for biking.
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It’s ideal when you can do workouts in your basement, Barbara! My daughter and son-in-law had a setup in the basement of their previous house. The newer houses don’t have basements and their garage is not big enough. We don’t have a basement either and we keep both cars in the garage. It’s good you have the aerobics routine memorized to do it at home at your convenience. I used to have one routine memorized but it was a while back.
It looks like Runkeeper is similar to Strava. I agree that it’s fun to see where my daughter Mercy and her husband Will go every day. They do it on their own schedule. Will works in a remote setting since he does management work.
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It’s a nice way to connect 🙂
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I workout each day. It’s been part of my routine for many years to combat stress. In my early 20’s, I had a membership, but I always found excuses not to go. It was raining, the traffic is terrible, etc. Investing in my own equipment works best for me. Is that a Schwinn recumbent bike? It looks exactly like the one I purchased during the pandemic after my treadmill died. I also have an elliptical, a trampoline and a stair stepper. I could start my own gym! 🙂
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Exercise is indeed a great stress reliever. I work out almost every day, but usually take Wednesdays off because I’m too busy with back-to-back job shifts. I walk and do an aerobics workout with weights to keep my back bones in order. I used to have an exercise bike and it was great. What’s a recumbent bike? Can I come over and jump on your trampoline?
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Relieving stress is a great motivation for my exercise, Barbara. I need the circulation to get better sleep. My husband alternates boxing, weightlifting, and running to give a break to the body. When I was working, I could only go to the gym on weekends. I didn’t get home until dinner time because of the long drive. The recumbent bike allows you to sit in a reclining position with a larger seat to make it easier for your lower body versus the upright bike to put the weight on the lower body.
Haha, I wish to have a trampoline. It may be good for me to do gentle bouncing!! 🙂
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Sounds fun – I would love to try the eliptical but don’t think I would purchase one. They look like fun. My son used one for therapy after ACL surgery.
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I don’t use the eliptical too often at the gym so I don’t think I’ll try to buy one for my home, Barbara. Between the bike and treadmill, I’m good for now. It was 86 degree when I walked today. I’ll walk outdoor more when the weather gets warmer.
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Yes I don’t see us buying any exercise equipment – we’re trying to downsize! I walked yesterday in the rain. It wasn’t great but it wasn’t cold either.
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We thought of downsizing eventually but we’ve lived here for many many years and have the house paid off. The kind of money we get by selling it wouldn’t get what we want. I’m decluttering the house little by little. Hopefully in 10-year time, we’ll have just the basics to maintain.
My daughter live in Oregon. People there go out to do things rain or shine. They don’t even cover their heads in the rain. I would have 3 or 4 layers on but someone walking on the street would have 1 layer of short sleeves on.
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The recumbent bike is Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike – SF-RB4876, Jill. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XSDZGPQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
When we moved to new housing development, the city didn’t have a zipcode yet. That was how we could afford to buy a new home, but it was further away from the convenience and miles away from the gym. I didn’t go to the gym for a few years until we moved to the current home.
I have a treadmill also and it’s in our spare bedroom. I don’t like to use it because of the setup (bedroom). I put the recumbent bike in the hallway with a skylight above.
Wow, with all the equipment you have, yes, you do have a home gym. Many people started their home gym during the pandemic and they said they would never go back to the gym when it’s over.
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Exercise and I are only passing acquaintances, Miriam. We haven’t really got to know each other yet. I think exercise might be a bit bossy for me, and exercise doesn’t like the way I ignore them. Perhaps one day. I agree with you that it’s the connection that’s important.
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I understand that part, Norah. I’m in a church group with about 70 active people. I would say perhaps less than 20% of us exercise regularly. When I was working with the parents, we had someone from the County Office of Education came to show the parents to do exercise sitting in a chair. Not long ago when I researched a certain subject, I came across a similar exercise that doesn’t need to be pounding on the feet. In fact, besides walking, I do more stretching than bouncing. I like that app, I got some followers who post “Kudo” to my walks.
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It’s good to have the encouragement and support of others, Miriam. It helps to keep one going – whatever the activity.
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It’s so true, Norah. This blogging community gives us so much support.
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It does indeed. 🙂
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Between working, blogging, and writing, my home exercise routine that I’ve had for years is falling by the wayside–and I’m feeling it. I need to make a change.
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I know what it means, Liz! We have the same number of hours during the day. It would be hard with a schedule like yours to keep up doing everything and exercise. It’s easy for me to skip it also. When my sleep pattern was getting worse, my brain was groggy and foggy, and it didn’t seem to break the cycle, I knew I had to make it a regular schedule. Good luck with getting back on your routine.
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Thank you, Miriam. I think I’ll start with walking, as getting outside will be a big motivator from an enjoyment perspective.
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I hope the weather is getting better for you, Liz. It helps when it’s warmer outside.
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The weather is getting warm, Miriam. Slowly but surely!
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Good to hear that, Liz. We have a crazy heat wave of 94F yesterday. The last time happened was in 1904. The earth is in turmoil!
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My daughter in San Diego said it was almost 90 a couple of days ago. She and the dogs were out enjoying the bright sunshine. I’m seeing the earth in turmoil with all of the news reports about tornados. Those poor people!!
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Yes, the weather was strange. it was thunder storms, unusual snow storms, and tornados. I hope the mother earth is conveying a strong message to some world leaders. My daughter had snow on their street for days. There is snow in Portland, but not last that long.
Are you coming to San Diego to see your daughter soon?
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I’m still afraid to fly, so I don’t know when we’ll get back out to San Diego. She and her husband bought their first actual house since the last time we visited it. They’re so proud of it, and I know they want to show it off to us. They’ve adopted two pups as well we haven’t yet met.
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It seems like a road trip is more desirable. You could make it a longer vacation!! 😎💞🚐
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I always walk and cycle every day. I cycle for half an hour and walk for about an hour and a half. It keeps me fit.
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Wow, that’s wonderful, Stevie, that you exercise two hours a day. Do you get up very early? I don’t get up early because I need time to lie flat to go against the gravity for my circulation. It takes many hours to loosen up the lymphatic leg even though I wear compression stockings (on one leg).
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I usually get up around 05:45. I’ve always been an early bird.
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I wish I were an early bird, Stevie, but I’ve been a late owl all my life!
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I’m totally the opposite, and running to bed around 10pm.
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10 p.m. is a reasonable time for bed. In my early years, I went to bed around midnight to 1am. Right now, we try to go to bed at 11:30pm.
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Too late for me, lol.
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My favourite exercise apart from walking, gardening and swimming in the sea is aquarobics. Alas, even before Covid my various aquarobics classes were always disappearing – either the teacher would leave or the pool would close down! I had an ap on my phone to measure walking distance, but it kept talking every time I stopped to cross the road or met someone I knew.
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My favorite exercise is water aerobics also, Janet. Our water aerobics classes usually run during my dinner hour so I had never been able to join. I do my own using similar sets of exercises. This is one exercise I missed the most. The app I use doesn’t seem to continue when I stop walking. It keeps blinking but stops moving. I could stop it if I want and it has a function to resume the measurement. I like it so far.
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I was going to the gym 4-5 days a week for three years after I retired. It was the longest I’ve ever stayed that disciplined about going. I’ve never liked to run, but I did find that I felt better and got a sense of accomplishment each time I finished. Now, I haven’t gone in more than a year since the pandemic began. I walk 5-6 days a week and miss it when I don’t. I’ve put a few of the pounds back on that I lost before the pandemic. I get as much mentally from walking as I do physically. It’s where I seem to do my best thinking.
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I do the same about thinking while walking, Pete. I do some writing on my phone while walking, sometimes. For me, I need exercise to get better circulation. Come to think of it, I feel better after exercise because it gets more oxygen in the brain as well as the entire body. I know about those few pounds!! Walking alone is not enough to shed those and I hope it will be safe to go to the gym again soon.
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Way to go, Miriam! My wife got vaccinated yesterday; my turn will come soon enough.
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I think so, Pete. We got calls from different places we signed up. We could have vaccinated 3 or 4 times!!!!!
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Great post! 👍🏻 I try getting 20 minutes run 4-5 times in a week. Somedays, nothing better than simple stretches and yoga. 😊🙏🏻
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I agree with you about stretching and yoga. Walking or running is good but I need the stretching to maintain flexibility. 🙂 🙂
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Hi Miriam, That app looks great, thanks for that. I like walking for exercise and doing some exercises at home, so I’m not worried about the gym. But I’ve put on some Covid kilos over the last 12 months, and really need to lose them to get back in shape. Toni x
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I put on s few pounds also, Toni. I try to move around during the day, and not doing too much mental work in the evening. The exercise is still limited because of Covid. When I watch TV in the evening, I also tend to snack on something. That snacking goes to my waist. I hope to lose those few pounds after Covid is over.
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❤️❤️❤️
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What a great idea! I used to go to our community gym before COVID and pregnancy, but haven’t made time for it again or felt safe yet. I mostly do YouTube videos and agree that we need yoga once a week.
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Our gym is open with the equipment in the parking lot. I haven’t gone yet. We’re all waiting to feel safe to go. I liked that you do YouTube videos, Chelsea.
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Wonderful Miriam yes yoga and walking the mutt but missing my pool and weights hoping things open up more here but who knows … spring is arriving so fun in the sun 🤞happy weekending ~ smiles hedy ☺️💫
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I missed my pool also, Hedy! Walking is good but it’s not as good as bouncing in the water with less weight on the feet. I do my own water aerobics to move the entire body and stretch my legs which need exercise to reduce the lymphedema from the chemo. Yes, spring is here and shops are opening in California. ❤ Have a relaxing weekend! 🙂
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You as well ☺️💫
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Thank you! ❤
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One of my favorite topics, Miriam! I taught a ballet barre/Pilates mat class in Malibu for 8 years, and although I don’t teach anymore, I stay on top of the movements as a way of being in the world. I’m at my desk a lot, and still practice what is basically a combination of yoga, ballet, and Pilates. I use free weights– never over 2 pounds because more can be taxing on cartilage and joints. Weights are great for isometric engagement, alone. All this counters the time I spend at my desk. I also recommend stretches after getting out of a hot bath. And walking is the best exercise of all. I’m of the belief use it or lose it, as the saying goes. The older I become, the more I realize it’s worth the effort.
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Hi Clair, two of my favorite yoga instructors left because of their pregnancy. They taught Ashtanga yoga and I did it for almost three years. After they left, the gym didn’t have instructors with a regular schedule. I didn’t like having substitutes. I tried the combination of yoga, ballet, and Pilates. I liked the movement of the ankles because I have superficial nerve damage on my ankles from the chemo and need on-going exercise.
Thank you for the tips about stretching after getting out of a hot bath. It makes sense to me now because I soak in the bath with sea salt once in a while.
I’ll keep walking to help with my circulation. Without better circulation, I wake up in the middle of the night, probably because my muscles are stiff.
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