When I started blogging 3ish years ago, (Maybe. It always amazes me that people know how many posts they've written and when their blogging anniversary is. I keep forgetting that my wedding anniversary is coming up within the week!) I joined NAPLO something and blogged everyday during the month of November. And I won something. But, I was living in Japan and never put forth the necessary effort to claim it. But, I did like the challenge of blogging everyday. So, I haven't joined NAPLO something because I don't remember how to, but I have done November blogging since then. And, tomorrow is November! YEAH!
While living in Japan, Ryu and I always joked about "fuyu futoru futari." This is our play on words meaning "the couple who fattens up in winter." Well, this year I am saddened to say that the "f" for winter has been changed to the "f" for FALL! So, I will try to do a bit of exercise every day this month to loose the "fall five" before Thanksgiving! We'll see! Anything is bound to help!
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Mid-Life Exercise
Years ago I was teaching an English class and the topic was different age divisions. You know - infant, baby, toddler, etc. and on up. What numerical ages are in each category. When we got to middle age, my students all said 35! I GASPED! I was over THAT age by then, and DID NOT consider myself to be middle aged at all! I corrected them - the Japanese for that age IS 35 BTW - and went on to become 40!
Yep, Ryu and I both agree that the old body changes after 40. Over the years we have done...very very little to keep ourselves in shape. We joined a swimming club place one summer. That was nice in the summer, but riding our bikes there in the dead of winter in the evening, well...we quit and joined the sports club near our house. There I tried a "step aerobics" class. What a JOKE! We chose to "work out" together, so chose the cheapo evening time period, when all the other classmates were 23 years old. And their brains were still working just fine, and they could all understand Japanese (OK, I always use this excuse, but it works pretty well), and and and. I couldn't remember those steps if there WASN'T a step to jump on and off.
Luckily, Jun came and we immediately quit all that foolishness. My next weight loss campaign was starvation and sleep deprivation. Not planned, but, through all the exercise, I never lost a gram. In the first two months of parenting, I lost about 5 kilos. (2.2 lbs in a kilo, Mom!) Climbing to the fourth floor regularly with Jun in the sling, and carrying her around town, was great exercise.
But, now she is TREE (3). My hip protests wildly if I carry her too much. So, we use other methods of transport. Often her own two legs. And the scales are moving up a bit each month.
Also, the past two years have shown me just how UNSTELLAR my heart DNA is as my Mom got 4 stents and my Dad got a pacemaker. So, the need for cardiovascular exercise was brought home to me. I bought various DVD's. Put them in. Watched while sitting on the couch. Laughed. Put them away. Then, Vicky at Hyotenka started an exercise routine and it included a walking DVD. I had never heard of it, but on her recommendation bought one this past trip home. And...I CAN DO IT! And, I think I'll be able to do it for a long long time!
It's called Walk at Home. The DVD's come in various mile lengths. There are VERY FEW steps to remember. The leader goes back to walking in place between each step. No tripping over my feet. Just constant movement for as long as I want. I can do it in my living room and sometimes Jun joins me. I can turn off the sound and do it during her nap, if I want - it is THAT easy to follow!
In addition, Jun and I love our Tammilee Web Total Stretch for Beginners DVD. It has three 10 minute stretching routines. One is standing, one sitting, and one on the floor. Also a 30 minute routine for the days you have time! They are perfect for the end of the day, or to get the kinks out of your back in the morning. Easy to do, even when you are past the 45 yo mark!
Now that I've posted about these great DVD's and my back is back in use (hahaha) I'm looking forward to putting on some miles before the end of the year. I need some sort of goal, though. Weight isn't an issue yet (Thanks, Jun), so, does anyone have any ideas?
Yep, Ryu and I both agree that the old body changes after 40. Over the years we have done...very very little to keep ourselves in shape. We joined a swimming club place one summer. That was nice in the summer, but riding our bikes there in the dead of winter in the evening, well...we quit and joined the sports club near our house. There I tried a "step aerobics" class. What a JOKE! We chose to "work out" together, so chose the cheapo evening time period, when all the other classmates were 23 years old. And their brains were still working just fine, and they could all understand Japanese (OK, I always use this excuse, but it works pretty well), and and and. I couldn't remember those steps if there WASN'T a step to jump on and off.
Luckily, Jun came and we immediately quit all that foolishness. My next weight loss campaign was starvation and sleep deprivation. Not planned, but, through all the exercise, I never lost a gram. In the first two months of parenting, I lost about 5 kilos. (2.2 lbs in a kilo, Mom!) Climbing to the fourth floor regularly with Jun in the sling, and carrying her around town, was great exercise.
But, now she is TREE (3). My hip protests wildly if I carry her too much. So, we use other methods of transport. Often her own two legs. And the scales are moving up a bit each month.
Also, the past two years have shown me just how UNSTELLAR my heart DNA is as my Mom got 4 stents and my Dad got a pacemaker. So, the need for cardiovascular exercise was brought home to me. I bought various DVD's. Put them in. Watched while sitting on the couch. Laughed. Put them away. Then, Vicky at Hyotenka started an exercise routine and it included a walking DVD. I had never heard of it, but on her recommendation bought one this past trip home. And...I CAN DO IT! And, I think I'll be able to do it for a long long time!
It's called Walk at Home. The DVD's come in various mile lengths. There are VERY FEW steps to remember. The leader goes back to walking in place between each step. No tripping over my feet. Just constant movement for as long as I want. I can do it in my living room and sometimes Jun joins me. I can turn off the sound and do it during her nap, if I want - it is THAT easy to follow!
In addition, Jun and I love our Tammilee Web Total Stretch for Beginners DVD. It has three 10 minute stretching routines. One is standing, one sitting, and one on the floor. Also a 30 minute routine for the days you have time! They are perfect for the end of the day, or to get the kinks out of your back in the morning. Easy to do, even when you are past the 45 yo mark!
Now that I've posted about these great DVD's and my back is back in use (hahaha) I'm looking forward to putting on some miles before the end of the year. I need some sort of goal, though. Weight isn't an issue yet (Thanks, Jun), so, does anyone have any ideas?
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