Exercise. Subject for discussion...

by David
(Iowa City, Iowa)

I don't know what happened to me. I retired 3 years ago. At 67, in July 2019 I did the 7-day 500 mile RAGBRAI bike ride after many months of hard training, and even a mild heart attack in April that year.

As soon as I finished the bike ride, I stopped all exercise, and I can't get started again. Now I sit in my lounger 12 hours a day, maybe walking a day or two for a couple miles.

I've gained 50 pounds in 2 years! I'm not doing my heart-diseased body any favors.

I tell myself I need to do something every day, but talk myself out of it most the time.

So, I'm curious, what kind of exercise are you doing? - looking for ideas. How much? How often?

Most significantly, did you ever have a hard time getting motivated and what did you do to start your engines again?

Comments for Exercise. Subject for discussion...

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Exercise will keep you going for years to come
by: Joe/NY

I've been a runner most of my life and still participate. I'm 64 and still run regularly, although not as fast and not as far (no more marathons).

I know it's not for everyone but it's kept me thin and happy and healthy my entire life.

Motivation can sometimes be an issue but, somehow, I always seem to find my way out the door.

FITNESS TRACKER
by: Anonymous

I have been retired two years and I am a 68 year old lady. I have always done some kind of exercise. Just lately I got a new inexpensive fitness tracker. It is really helpful. I love the sleep tracking.

I am now walking one hour am and one hour before dark. It's great. Easy to do. They say morning daylight is good for our sleep too. And vitamin D.

I wish you great success in getting back to exercise. Inactivity is the worst feeling for me.

Exercise
by: Lorrie

I go for at least an hour walk in the park daily. By going the same time the first thing in the morning, I have met about 10 other retirees doing the same thing and we have sort of bonded.

Aside from talking to these walkers, I talk to no one the rest of the day. So that is my incentive - if I want to talk to someone, I need to get my butt off the couch.

Maybe you could meet up with some people and form some sort of walking club?

You need someone to push you. At least I did and the time goes by so fast. Sometimes we really get talking and before I know it, TWO hours of walking have gone by.

Good luck!

Exerecise
by: Carol, Canada

I go for a walk a day and also garden a lot. I do belong to a gym but haven't been in years because we had a big dog that required a lot of care. Having the dog forced me to exercise. I walked him two hours ever day. Now he is gone and I am forcing myself to walk.

I do it as soon as I get up and promise myself a delicious cup of Nespresso for when I get back. I always have to bribe myself. Try that. I give myself a treat when I get back, always works.

I would say get a dog, but not sure your situation allows for that or if you even like dogs. Was the best way to get exercise. Because a dog wants to walk every day and they bug you until you get up and take them for their walk. I never did a thing before I had a dog. Me and my husband walked him rain, snow, in all weather. We never missed a day.

Not only that, but we walked so much we discovered new areas of our city, nice parks and met lots of other people with dogs.

Start cycling again - baby steps!
by: Michael - Sunny and Warm Venice Florida

I cycle regularly. Over the past several years, my goals have been 5,000 miles over the winter here in Florida and 2,000 miles over the summer in Upstate NY.

I would often find myself tired in the afternoons and thought I was cycling too much. I scaled back my summer goal to 1,500 miles this year, but still reached 2,300 miles. Now in Florida for the fall/winter, I've set a goal of 600 miles per month.

Since you have had problems with your heart in the past and have gained some weight, I would start with a complete physical exam by my doctor. Then, start cycling again. It's a great exercise and you can explore your area.

Set a day and time that you will start your new exercise routine. Set a goal of time or miles each day and then build upon that. My Dad is 86 and has played tennis his entire life. He also does push-ups, runs on the treadmill, lifts weights, and does all of the yard work. He is my inspiration.

Many of my neighbors and fellow residents here in Florida are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, and they are out there cycling.

Get your checkup and get started. And, if you want a tip on weight loss, try a whole-food plant-based diet. I adopted that type of eating style last year and lost 15 pounds in two months.

Exercise
by: Anonymous

Hi. Well, sitting around definitely has its appeal, I must admit.

Would joining an online sort of blog group help?

Myself, I am having a hard time getting myself to do any weight lifting. Seems I am too lazy. Though yesterday I did 40 wall push ups. Also, my left hip developed pain at the same time that my dog went downhill so isotopes my 5-8 mile a day walking.

I have now switched to exercising to music, which I like. I move sideways and in more directions than back and forth so I am hoping that will be less repetitive motion on that hip.

What helps is a treat afterwards.

How about walking to a coffee shop, having coffee or lunch, and walking home? Or walking to any appointments you have?

That way you begin to build a reputation, which is fun.