DEAR Jasminda,
There is only one New Year’s Resolution I have and that is to start doing some exercise. I know it’s good for me, but I detest physical activity. Now I’m in my mid-fifties, it hurts my joints and that just makes me feel worse. Do you have any suggestions?
Evie H.
Dear Evie,
Without meaning to sound glib, the best kind of exercise is the type you can stick to.
There’s no point embarking on some kind of Hunger Games quest for fitness if you are just dipping your toe into the idea.
This brings me to my first suggestion: aqua aerobics or some form of water activity.
Water sports are fantastic because they are low impact and you won’t put stress on your joints.
Not only will water exercise improve your fitness, but you’ll probably expand your circle of friends (quite literally during the pool noodle circular jog).
An alternative (if you live near the coast) is to wade waist deep in the ocean or at the ocean baths.
It’s great resistance training, particularly if you wade into a determined freestyler (those capped Boomers doing their laps stop for no one).
Do you enjoy dancing? I don’t mean Flamenco or Salsa dancing, but jiggling around in your jammies.
If you combine daily chores with Diana Ross’s Upside Down blasting through your headphones, you’ll be getting a double dose of activity, hip swivelling and booty popping your way to fitness (just don’t pop too hard initially, Evie, or you may end up in a back brace).
How about spinning? I don’t mean on a shared path, where you’re likely to be bowled over by a Golden Retriever or a 10-year-old whose parents were moronic enough to gaift them an electric bike for Christmas, but in a spin room at a local gym. This will burn a mountain of calories, and with the bike firmly attached to the floor, you will be safe from hazards (except perhaps Phil’s sweaty towel when he flicks it following a two-minute uphill climb).
Finally, Evie, in your mid-fifties, you should incorporate some sort of strength training.
If you don’t want to be the person struggling to get out of a chair, now is the time to build up a bit of muscle. There are loads of free instructional videos online, or if you’d like the encouragement of others, you could join a small group training class or enlist the help of friends (I’m sure they’d love the benefits of exercise too). Just make sure you let your doctor know what you are about to embark on so he can give you the all-clear.
Carpe diem,
Jasminda.
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