I must say if there is anything I am ambivalent about it is exercise. I have been in and out and through dozens of exercise routines and gyms throughout the decades. In my 20’s it was running, aerobic classes in my 30’s, hiking throughout my 40’s and my 50’s were capped off with walking and more expensive core strengthening efforts (i.e. personal trainers and machine Pilates). I often ask myself: “This was all in an effort to do what…exactly? Underneath all the much touted benefits of getting in shape, increasing strength and flexibility, lowering stress and improving my sleep, I often deluded myself into thinking it would also help me lose weight. I suppose during my early years of running it did some of this, but, the truth is that in spite of consistent exercise practices, I slowing gained 20, 30, 40 pounds over the decades. I am mad as #$%# about this and want all that time back, but then I ask myself what I would look like or how I might have disintegrated had I not exercised so regularly over the years? Anyway, the concessions of aging have forced me to finally embrace what we have always known which is that weight management is 80% about diet and 20% about exercise. Of course, that is before you take age, gender and genetics into consideration which means I am #%^$&ed! Age and gender related challenges are hard enough to accept but when you add chronic conditions associated with family history to the mix things become downright depressing. The greatest attributes I have going for me on the healthy aging front are: stamina, resilience and a positive attitude, all of which matter, though how much I don’t know. Nonetheless, I will continue my quest to remain physically active through my later decades.
Having landed well into my 60’s, the question becomes: “Where do I go from here this year?” Well, I have three solid months here in Flagstaff to get the ball rolling. I have the equipment and knowledge to do everything I need to here at home but the problem is…I won’t. As such, I quickly embraced the need for an external structured program. After reviewing the many local alternatives, most of which I have tried before, I have settled on rejoining our local YMCA for the winter so early last week off I went and…just did it! There are many choices at our open light filled Y overlooking the pine forest and, so far, I am either on the machines or attending the classes. I refuse to push the envelope on intensity as, I know from experience that, my lower back will quickly flare up but I am committed to 45-60 minute sessions on the machines. In an effort to moderate myself, I have exchanged boot camp and spin class for gentle yoga and stretch/tone classes. I may try the Silver Sneakers class, but, am just not ready for Dancing Grannies, although, I do think it would be fun without the eventual public performance expectation. It helps that one of the ladies from my women’s group is a regular class attendee and I love going during the middle of the day when it is less crowded. My goal is to get there 4-5 times a week. I am off to a good start and, based on prior experience, I believe I will follow through on my goal this quarter. Upon my return to the lake this spring, my plan is to join Unity Square and make a second quarter exercise commitment from April-June. I could use a workout partner or a coach, anyone up for the task??? Happy movement as we slide into 2018!