Hello everyone!
I was wondering what everyone here does for exercise? I know for the most part we are not body builders or long distance runners but I am curious of what works for each person.
I have an elliptical at home that I use and walking around the neighborhood. Hikes when the state parks are open and it isn’t 100+ degrees in Texas, USA. I plan on starting a low impact yoga workout. I also fixed up my bicycle to ride with my son.
What do you like to do?
Waking, biking, hiking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing.when we’re not in a pandemic, I like to try to get to the gym once or twice a week, mostly for the weights.
The weight lifting is more something I particularly enjoy, but recognize that if my muscles are stronger that my joints are better protected.
I haven’t done any exercise for a while though. I had multiple fractures in my feet and ultimately needed surgery to fix one of them.
@Stoney
It’s good to hear from you! I saw your post about your feet! Ouch! I also believe that we are used to a higher level of pain and maybe don’t realize when something is wrong.
I have often wondered about weight lifting. How does it help?
Building up the muscles helps keep the joints stable.
I know I could use some of that! Did you get advice from a coach or figure out what works best for you?
I reckon I was born to be a medieval peasant really - I like lifting and digging and generally being a mindless workhorse, preferably outdoors.
Joints do not exactly approve so I am taking a more cautious approach to such tasks & doing a lot less in one go than I’d like. I think it stands me in good stead. I’d actually be a bit scared of weight-lifting per se … maybe if the lifts were very varied … the repetitive stuff sounds like a recipe for trouble. But pretty sure @Stoney knows how to do it safely so kind of interested myself.
As long as nothing is bothering me, my husband typically gives me some guidance. Otherwise, I’m in my own. If I’ve got active issues, I may go back to physical therapy, or at least to some of the ideals used there.
Love walking, dancing, swimming, house work is also good, if house needs renovating, and general lifting of objects in store rooms of clutterer husband
What!!!? Don’t say that. There again, when are you coming round to ours?
I would have to find someone to give me pointers or at least watch a few basic you tube videos. Glad your husband can give you some pointers!
House work?! I guess I can call that exercise. We bought a large house. It was gorgeous and since we homeschool I like having all the different rooms for my son, school room, music room, office, etc. NOW I wish he had purchased a smaller home. Its hard work to keep this beast clean. Maybe I should have you come over!
Walking my dog (though that’s more like getting some fresh air than actual exercise, as she is little and loves to sniff), a bit of yoga, some PT (for my back at the moment), and horseriding.
Horseriding is wonderful because as long as I can get up there, I can do as much or as little as that week allows. Well as long as I am on the right horse - some of them don’t allow you to do nothing!!! But my teacher is always flexible and kind with that.
And mowing the lawn, though I avoid both that and housework wherever possible.
I just stand around with my tachycardia… 
I have a electric bike, loads of fun, gives me the illusion that I am exercising…
Of course many of my considerations are aesthetic, contemplative …
Wow Jen75! Horse backing riding sounds fun. How long have you road? Mowing!! You are braver than me.
Oh Jon!! Hey, illusions count too!
Hi there,
I do everything except running and rock climbing. The best for me is yoga, bicycling, and hiking. When I’m stuck indoors, yoga and an elliptical are about it (in addition to the boring stuff–laundry, vacuuming:).)
A yoga class billed as “gentle” or “slow burn” or “basic” or “restorative” might be good to start,(I’m also an ERYT 200 yoga teacher.) If you have issues in the low back, avoid the fwd folds that go deep and keep your folds so that your chest is parallel to the floor when you bend at the hips. Part of the beauty of yoga is most of the poses can be modified or tools (blocks and straps) can be used to make it fit your body. I did not start yoga until I was in my mid 50’s after having to give up running and Jazzercise. I soooo wish I would have found it when I was younger! It truly is a process of learning about yourself–your body, your mental processes, observing your emotions, and focusing on the all-important breath.
Best of luck! It sounds like you are ready to start exploring new paths of fitness. Enjoy the journey!
Robin
Wow, you are very active! Good for you!
I have found some restorative yoga classes on you tube. I wish I could take some in person classes but that isnt an option right now. Thank you again for your advice! I cant wait to start
My “go-to” exercise is just walking, which I try to do for at least an hour a day (with our Labrador retriever). When I’m having more knee and foot issues, I go with just my dog and headphones (to listen to podcasts). On those days, I walk slow, and can get frustrated walking with others who want to walk at a ‘normal’ pace. During periods when I’m having less pain, though, I’ll walk with my significant other, or even go out hiking in the woods. Last month, I was able to do my favorite hike once a week for four weeks (over 3000 feet of elevation gain over 2.5 miles)! I felt better in July than I had in years! This week, my knee is acting up again, so I pick routes with smaller hills.
Motivation is sometimes hard to come by, but my dog knows how to convince me to get out every day. 
I used to go to the gym for upper body weights before the pandemic closed things down in my area.
I agree that doing “something” is important to preserve mobility in our joints and to keep those pounds from accumulating. (Tough to do with all the cooking I’ve been doing during the pandemic).
Stay safe out there!
I found a website called “Age Bold”. Designed for seniors, it offers 3 new, progressive workouts each week for 12 weeks. It begins using seated exercise. Every 12 weeks a new session (now more specifically designed for each individual‘s requests). I have been following since January, and am very happy with the results.
They offer a free trial period. Try it out!
What a lovely solution,can t wait to get a dog from a dog house as soon as my living arrangements will allow it.