Exercise? Uh- lets just stretch

Believe it or not (and please believe it) I have a physical routine I do when I get up. [LOL] Richard Simmons, Denise Austin or Jane Fonda I'm NOT. But- I do manage to make myself feel a little better because of it. You know... productive.

So I'm going to share with you and hope it helps in some way. Everyone should/needs to do some kind of activity each day if for no other reason than to maintain ROM (Range of Motion) and keep muscles, bones, etc. from stiffening. This includes those who can't move and cannot do this on their own. Family members, friends, care-taker, SOMEONE do it for them. Help them. Some kind of movement is better than no kind of movement.

Morning Stretches. I slowly count to five with each stretch.

1. Sitting on edge of bed (clasp hands raise over head, raise arms, arms to side, lift each knee, lift each leg, lift/hold both knees)
   
2. Standing in front of bed ([I use a low-beam on ceiling I can reach: a wall or other 'object' would work as well] hands even with shoulders/grasp beam, right hand where left hand was, reverse, same but slightly twist, head up, stand as tall/straight as possible)
   
3. Wheeled Chair (not wheel-chair) Activity. Sitting in my chair with wheels (comfy office chair) I move my feet just enough that it causes me to kind of 'rock' or twist right to left. I do this throughout the day.
   
4. Chair Dancing (input: don't want any doctrinal feedback on this one one-way or the other. Not talking about American Bandstand or Soul Train either. But moving the body while in the chair to music of your preference for health purposes [LOL]).

Now- I know I need to elaborate on some of this. My stretches are not neatly, tidily done. My legs shake and twitch as I do this. And counting to five is about all I can do or tolerate (um- for the moment). But I do it. It is effort and self-discipline to make my body do these- but I know it is helping. I thank God for being able to get this portion of exercise.

Reasons for Exercise/Routine/Stretches

• Therapeutic
• Anti-Depressant (hey- it's the anti-drug)
  
• Self-esteem builder
  
• Calories burned (not much- but more than if you did NO stretches/exercise)
  
• ROM (keep what you have- maybe regain some you've lost)
  

Added 'activity' and/or 'stretch' this summer: water (pool water).

There is no dispute that swimming is one of the best 'workouts' you can get. But even if you can't swim or don't have the physical ability to swim- just being in the water is therapeutic. The water/buoyancy holds your weight. If you can't stand or are limited- this is perfect. I'm going thru online stores now trying to find a family pool- the best pool (and longer-term investment) for me... uh- I mean for the kids! [ha ha ha ha]

I've included some stretches and ROM exercises you can do or help someone do (click on the pic to view larger illustration). These can be done sitting or in bed if you are not able to stand or stand for very long.

Recommended Website: [LOL]
You heard/read right- product placement has nothing on a
full-on Blog Referral, Back-link and Virtual Endorsement! [wink]

I found the Stretching website to be a jewel and a rose among the thorns of searches for stretching and exercise! Totally adaptable and allows you (the user) to save a specific routine. So cool... enjoy!

Okay- so I've shared. Do you have a routine of some kind that you could share with me? I'd love to hear it. I love to learn!

Luv & Prayers,

Joy

P.S.
"Remember to exercise at your own pace and not without your doctor's okay/acknowledgment"