Is There Any Relief For Arthritis?

If you have Arthritis, off course, always check with your doctor before starting any new medicines supplements or exercise programs. I believe your doctor just might encourage you to walk. As I get older, “Arthur” has come to visit me and I started recently haveing sciatic problems. In doing some online research, I found great information on Walking with Arthritis from the Mayo Clinic—and I thank them for providing these invaluable tips to all of us.

I think most of us become more immobile when we are in pain (because it hurts to move) and that might be the worst thing we can do. Don’t think of exercise or walking as an Olympic sport or think you have to spend grueling hours exercising. Just small changes can help with arthritis pain and stiffness. See our blog article on the lady who started out just walking in her house 4 times a day.

Mayo Clinic says:

Shape Up By Making Small Changes

 

It’s that time of the year! About now we begin realizing we have gained some pounds because of all the eating we do between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Whether you need to lose 10 pounds, 25, 50 or more – it is time to start eating healthy and lose those pounds. Why do you want to lose weight? Is it for your appearance—so your clothes will fit comfortably again—or is it for your health?

Here are a few tips—and we will include more motivational tips in next week’s email:Incorporate strength and cardio training into your daily routine. You need both to tone muscles and rev up your metabolism. Do exercises to work your largest muscle (butt muscles—glutes) and your abs (for that flat belly). One thing that can derail your efforts is an injury so be sure to warm up before every exercise session. Use a tracker and you will tend to challenge yourself and increase your normal activity. I even have a tracker on my phone that measures steps taken in a day. Aim for 10,000 steps. Is that way more than you are now walking? Start where you are now and add 1000 steps. Challenge yourself and try to increase your goal each week.

Drink your water—some experts say to drink ½ of your body weight in ounces. If you weight 140—that will be 70 ounces of water a day. Did you know that many of us walk round in a state of dehydration most of the time? If you are increasing your physical activity, it is important to stay hydrated. And drink a glass of water before eating a meal—it really works!!

Why Exercise After 50?

Are you over 50? Remember when we were in our 20’s and 30’s? I would exercise with my main goal being to fit into a certain size clothes…be able to proudly go to the beach…look as good as my friends. How about you?

Now that I am a little older, my priorities have changed. At 50 plus, my health and well-being are my main concerns. My body is not the same as it was in my younger years so the way I exercise has had to change. I have a good life now and I am independent of needing help to enjoy my life…and I want it to stay that way!

I will list a few reasons we need to exercise and the best things to do. I am sure you can add to this list. Exercise to build or maintain muscle mass. Our metabolism slows as we age and muscles burn more calories than fat. Exercise can help with illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis and many more.

Need Help In Reaching Your Fitness Goals?

I know I am not the ONLY ONE!! I read and study nutrition, dieting and exercise. I mentally prepare myself to start a diet…to start exercising…to drink enough water…to just get myself back on track. I have the day planned for starting my new LIFE….and a week later, I am no better off than I was before.

My intentions are good—I know what to do!! Why don’t I just do it? I beat myself up because I am not stronger and I don’t stick with a plan.  I don’t want to have a perfect body—just one that is healthy and that I am proud of.

The times I have done really well with diet and exercise were when I had a friend partnering with me. Is it accountability? Maybe, but I think it is more than that. The times when I was ready to ditch my diet or skip my gym day, my friend would be having a good day and would encourage me! And I would do the same for her on her weak moments.

So try to find a buddy with similar goals and watch your successes add up!!

Shed Winter Weight Now

Oh my! Summer is almost here. Are you ready to change your winter clothes for shorts, tank tops, a bathing suit? Maybe you have been hiding inside the heavier winter clothing and the thought of revealing what is underneath those layers is daunting….scary…downright depressing.

Let’s do it together!! Watch for two more blog articles with tips on revealing our best bodies!

The Amazing Elephant

Our good friend, Dave, sent me this picture of him and his wife riding on an elephant while on a wonderful vacation.  Dave said the ride was a bit bumpy!! I have never traveled abroad or ridden an elephant, but I became  intrigued to learn more about these giant creatures, elephants.

Did you know elephants can be as tall as 13 feet and weigh up to 15,000 pounds!! Wow! They have pillar like legs to hold up this great weight. I have been trying to lose a few pounds—thankfully I don’t have that much to worry about!! An adult elephant can eat 300-400 pounds of food a day.