So, last December I started a regular exercise program, my first sustained effort after years of sporadic failed attempts.
Now, nearly six months into a routine of daily stretching and strength training, I'm wishing I had started sooner.
Here's a few reasons why I started, and how it fits my simple living journey:
To Be a Strong Caregiver: As my partner Linda's full-time caregiver, I need to be strong to keep us thriving together in our minimalist lifestyle.
My role involves assisting her with daily tasks, and staying physically capable ensures we can continue living independently.
Staying healthy lets us extend our time as partners in simple living without relying on questionable external systems.
To Preserve Muscle and Promote Metabolism: After age 40, muscle mass declines by 1-2% per year. Strong muscles fuel mobility and metabolism, keeping me active without costly medical interventions.
To Sharpen My Mind: Research shows daily exercise is a top defense against age-related cognitive decline. A clear mind is priceless, and I'd rather earn it through my own effort than buy into brain-boosting fads.
To Lift My Mood: Physical activity boosts mood and curbs anxiety naturally. In a world pushing pills for happiness, exercise is my free, feel-good ritual.
To Thrive in Outdoor Activities: I love biking and walking in the woods – low-impact activities that connect me to nature. Studies confirm being outdoors in natural settings eases anxiety and fatigue, making it a perfect fit for our eco-conscious life.
To Feel Good in My Skin: Sure, looking fit is a bonus. But it's not about vanity – it's about feeling confident and capable, a reward for choosing discipline over dollars.
Everything is Easier When You Are Fit: The greatest result I've noticed so far is that any physical activity is easier now, whether it's doing transfers with Linda or working in our vegetable garden.
It's a lot of work to get to this point of ease, but the payoff is huge – I can handle life's challenges without undue stress.
If exercise were a pill, it'd be sold as a miraculous wonder drug that everyone would scramble to get. But it's not, and that's the beauty. All the side effects of regular exercise are beneficial. Few pills can offer that kind of efficacy and safety.
I didn't need a gym membership, fancy equipment, or costly supplements – just an old yoga mat and the resolve to start.
Every Monday through Friday at 7 AM, I roll out that mat for about 45 minutes of honoring my body. Many mornings I'd rather sleep in, but my newfound discipline keeps me going.
My journey rejects the fitness industry's consumer traps. No sleek gizmos or overprice classes here – just hard work and a commitment to health as a fundamental aspect of our well-being.
By staying fit, I reduce reliance on medical systems, save resources, and live lighter on the planet.
For Linda and me, this is more than exercise – it's a rebellion against consumerism and the sickness care system. Choosing health through hard work over shortcuts mirrors our choice to live simply, using what we have and finding joy in the effort.
Together, we're building resilience, proving you don't need a lot to live well.
In a world pushing consumption, choosing discipline over dollars is a radical act of freedom. Start small, stay steady, and watch how far you go – without spending a cent.
Share with us how you're promoting no or low-cost optimal health in your life.
I have a built up my approach over the years and it includes running and yoga. I enjoy running and mix it up with road and trailing running that can be further mixed with yoga when running in nature. I sometimes stop for short meditation and enjoy the endorphin buzz. It doesn't cost me anything, I sometimes do the free 5k parkrun.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Alex
That sounds wonderful. Good health to you.
Delete- Gregg
I wonder what commercial gyms are good for, except making money for the owners. I think real athletics like for example weight lifters, rugby men or even muscle builders just for showing off have their own training facilities. If you really want to work out your way is best. I've done that in the past when I had a sitting office job, even though I cycled to work a lot. Currently at 62 my job(s) one paid, one volunteer involve walking, standing, going up and down steps and ladders and sometimes lifting weight. I get help for that when needed. Movement enough! Doesn't prevent from feeling my body sometimes, but then 62 is 62. And a lot of people my age wouldn't keep up my work.
ReplyDeleteYour comment brings up a good point. I think the most important thing is to keep moving. What kind of movement is less important than just keeping active. I like movement that both gets work done, and provides a physical benefit. Keep on moving - you are doing great.
Delete- Gregg
Using a back pack and a weighted plate of 20#; I “ruck” as my main form of exercise. I read Michael Easter’s book, The Comfort Crisis, and became convinced it was a good choice of exercise for me as a middle aged woman because it combines cardiovascular fitness and strength training. I ruck to work and back everyday (2 miles), when I walk around town doing errands, and sometimes while I am cleaning up around our apartment. I love that beyond the investment of the plate and bag, it takes up little space. Additionally, I use the ruck with 20# plate to do other strength training movements like chest presses, overhead presses, or weighted squats and lunges. Simple, versatile, and low cost! I have no need for gym memberships or fancy equipment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating form of exercise that I have not heard of before. I carry a pack full of groceries every once in a while, but that is on my bike. Still, I can feel the 15 or so extra pounds and it makes the ride home, which is also uphill, a better workout. Plus, it can be functional, like your rucking to work and back and doing errands/cleaning. Double bonus.
DeleteAs a former backpacker in the Canadian Rockies, I know from experience how much of a workout this can be. And that you can use the plate in many different ways makes it so many movements are possible. Low cost is the way to go. Thank you for sharing this unique form of exercise.
I began lifting weights about 6 years ago to protect my bones. And it was a wonderful decision. I am stronger and feel better all around. I enjoy being trim and strong. I do frequent a small gym and really enjoy it. I see the same faces 3 times a week and use great equipment I wouldn’t want to purchase for my home. It feels good and I not mind pending the money for it. It’s an investment. Peace, Erin
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful. You must feel amazing after six years of working out - it really does make all the difference. Thank you for reminding me that there are good gyms out there, and that they do serve a useful function for many people.
Delete- Gregg
I commend your 45 minutes 5 days a week, Gregg! That's awesome. But want to point out that even short times of targeted exercise can make a difference. I do 20 squats a day, and then roughly 3 - 5 minutes of standing abdominal exercises such as side bends, twists, and standing crunches. Just those few minutes a day and I feel the difference. Because as it has already been pointed out by you and others, movement is the key. Just keep moving! Oh, and while still in bed each morning, if you are able, is a great time to do a few leg stretches or full body stretches. Thx!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I like your idea of targeted exercise. Every little bit helps, and it is amazing at how much you can get from so little. Stretching is important to include for maximum bodily function.
Delete5 days a week I start with 15 Sun Salutations, then do two sets of 20 reps of squats, calf lifts, push ups, and chair crunches. I cool down with another 5 salutations. Often I will go for a hike or bike ride later in the day, either to get stuff done, like grocery shopping, or purely recreational for relaxation and enjoyment. I also count things like vacuuming and cleaning, as well as gardening.
After 6 months of keeping this schedule I feel better than I have in a long time. The results speak for themselves.
Your comment is very encouraging as most people can afford to move for a few minutes each day, and before long, they will see that it really helps in improving overall health.
Thank you for your comment and recommendations.
- Gregg