Category: Health and Wellness
I’m totally in to fitness if you don’t know that already.
Laughing.
I make it my business to get up early and workout at least 5 days per week, and if I’m on a different program, sometimes 6.
I don’t always eat exactly as I should, but for the most part.
I’ve even gone so far as to buy my own gym equipment, and have given a room over to this.
The argument is, for all that effort you put in, you could still get A or B, and that’s true.
I feel, and strongly believe, it is worth it however.
My health is good, my body is strong, and I don’t suffer from many of the things people young and old tend to.
Bad backs, aches, lack of energy.
I sleep well for the most par too.
So, here’s the question for this topic.
How important is your health to you?
What, if anything has you done, or do you do to protect it? How much are you willing to do to hopefully have an easier old age?
Do you even worry about your old age, and how your body will be?
Do you feel that enjoying all the vises, drugs, drink, sweets, or whatever, is worth the sicknesses you face once you’re older?
I call all I do preventive medicine, and I’ve seen older people, men and women, that have benefitted greatly from the keeping of their bodies.
It is all we have when it comes down to it.
i'm totally the oppositte to you.
I believe in the saying laughter is the best medicen, so try and find something (or more than 1 thing) to make me laugh each day
I don't do much (if any) exercise though. I eat what I want, drink what I want,, do what I want.
my sleep is virtually non existent, for 5 days a week I have to be up at 4 30, and for the remaining,2 days, my body can't ever get used to the fact I'm not working, so i'm still up at that time anyway.
I don't worry about old age and how my body will be. it will eventually come to all of us, and their is absolutely nothing we can do about it.
I get angry at people using anti aging creams for example, because they think they look years younger, and they are just delaying an obvious part of life.
for me life's about the enjoyment, not how you look or how you feel
Ah. Interesting viewpoints.
I'm not much in to creams, and such, and I'd never have surgery, but how I feels important to me.
I like to be able to do what I want without it hurting me the next day.
What I mean, is, if I want to go dancing, I simply do, and I'm not having to hurt while I'm at it.
I do agree with laughter, but that only helps my mental state, not physical.
Thanks for your post. It is interesting.
Wayne, I'd be curious about how old you are.
I believe in the dictim moderation in all things. I have been in excellent condition back in the day. So I know the stress relieving benefits. But, excessive exercise also takes a toll. Runners and bikers offten have bad knees later. The very man who created the jogging craze which is still with us, died at 44 of a heart attack. Dancers and active hikers may develop bad hips. There is a high potential for injury in extreme exercise. And then some people have very physically demanding jobs, and work out harder than anyone in a gym. I am by no means saying you are wrong, just pointing out that you aren't right either. Laughter is in fact also good for your physiology, not just your mood. So are artistic persuits such as music, volunteering, art, pottery etc. At some point each person has to decide on what will they spend their precious time. Exercising as you do is one way, but that takes time away from other things. Many people find, as I did, that after a certain age, the strain and stress of continual working out becomes tedious. Interests, and capabilities do change with age, even for you. So, not being passionate about fitness does not mean one doesn't care about ones health. That is a bias based on your personal outlook. Exercise is good, in moderation. Eating whatever the hell you want and being lazy is also fine in moderation. Are you happy, that is the key. If you are happy, then that is what matters to most people. Happiness is achieved many different ways.
I am middle aged. The average male lives to be around 80, so you can figure from that.
Often when you read about the man dying of a heart attack, you don’t get the full story.
So, he jogged, and set the jogging craze. What did he eat?
What was his hearts status, meaning, did he have some issues there?
What was his personal life like?
I’ve said I work out, but do you know if I smoke?
Do I drink heavily?
The title of this post says my aim in this topic.
People get bad knees, and such things, but that isn’t directly due to them exercising, that is due to them not paying attention to their bodies.
Caring for your body also means you must take care not to over stress it.
I believe anything extreme isn’t good for you as well, so sure moderation is a key.
Now, this is a personal thought. People tend to find the bad things about exercising, so they can have a reason why they don’t.
Well, look at so and so, he jogged, and died of a heart attack.
Well, look at Sher, Jack La lane, and that long list. They haven’t, and didn’t live forever, but for the time they did live, they were healthy and don’t, and didn’t have many of the ailments old age brings on.
In some societies, men and women can work in the fields at 80 90 dues to diet, and such things. Most Americans can’t even climb a regular flight of steps without having to rest at the top say after about age 40.
If you suggest taking a walk of about a mile, they simply can’t, and must stop after a few blocks.
Many cases of diabetes could have been avoided simply by a person eating better diets, and having a meal on waking up.
Diabetes is a bad disease for some, and I mean the type that is self-inflicted.
We have other things that older people really don’t have to have, if they’d simply do some moderate exercise.
We have many forms of it, so the boredom factor can be avoided, we just must come up with different things to do.
In fact, this is suggested by personal trainers, that you vary your activities. It is better for the body to give it different things and not the same all the time.
It is also a good rule to take cheat days, and about every three months or so, time off to allow your body to recoup.
But, okay, who cares??
If I must deal with boredom, sweating, making myself tired, is it worth it?
I’m going to get old anyway, and maybe I’ll die of that heart attack anyway, so is this all a waste of time?
I'd preferto just enjoy my life, and let old age take care of itself.
What is old. 30, 40, 50, 60? At what number should we expect people to be sickly, or ourselves for that matter?
I'm 46 personally, I used to work out a lot. Now I pretty much settle for walking at my desk plus mainly getting around on foot. I've been in better physical condition but am fit enough to do what I want. Shoveling a foot of snow last winter from the driveway and around the house didn't tire me out unnecessarily. Anymore, I think of fitness for myself as not being limited, e.g. carry as much as I want for as far as I want. If I'm huffing and puffing before I should be, or want to be, then I'm considering myself not being fit enough.
I'm not pining for the six-pack abs anymore, though I know there are some guys my age and older who have this.
But I definitely believe sitting at a desk is probably one of the worst things we can do for ourselves, hence I have configured my setup so I'm walking in place at my desk instead of sitting.
Odd question.
Do fit people actually look better then heavier people, or is that just personal taste?
Thanks for your post.
I plan on doing the elyptical trainer thing every day in the near future.
I'd also like to be clear.
I'm not here to debate my opinion, I'm here to learn yours.
Sure, I think it is worth it, but what do you think, and why?
I agree with Pasco. The key to most things in life is moderation. Having said that, most people don't have the problem of exercising too much and I know for sure that I could exercise more than I do. But I feel that no matter how much a person exercises, if they overeat or eat too much junk food or if they smoke or drink excessively or do drugs, then the positive effects of exercising are limited. Being happy and experiencing laughter and fun on a regular basis are equally as important as exercising to overall good health. I am middle aged and for some years now have been aware that this is the only body I'll ever have and taken good care of it. Yes, I've been in better shape, but am still in really good shape for someone my age. I gave up smoking in the last ten years and really believe that smoking is much more harmful to health than not exercising enough. Having said all that, maybe I should do myself a favor and listen to an audio of continuous jokes while I exercise more often. And oh yes, probably would be a good idea to ease up on eating watermelon and ice cream this summer. No promises though.
watermelon ? Seems that be good for you.
Now, if that icecream is watermelon ?
Will you share? I've never had that.
Smile.
Thanks for your post.
Wayne, was not dissing your view, though I thought your reply was a bit defensive. I was merely pointing out that health is governed by many things, and even exercise can be over done. You are correct, many look for any excuse not to exercise, just as some people look for any reason not to do enjoyable things in favor of working. For the record, the runner I was speaking of was in perfect health as far as could be seen. He ate right, and obviously exercised, but he died young anyway. I did not point him out to dispute your view, but rather to make the observation that nothing you can do will insure your health and long life, nothing. Eating right and exercising right can improve your odds certainly. Since you are around 40 apparently, then you have not yet experienced the deterioration of your joints due to wear. It affects some more than others, but joints do wear, and certain types of exercise exaserbate that wear. Listening to your body is good advice though. Walking or swimming are the least harmful exercises for those who are aging, like me. I am 65 BTW, which is why my perspective may be a bit different thatn yours.
You also asked about appearance. In todays culture, thin is in. But that is not necessarily health, it is cultural opinion. In some cultures rounder shapes are considered more attractive. Excessive weight can cause health issues, but variation in weight within limits do not make much difference to life span or general health. Tans are viewed as a healthy look, but in fact, tans are evidence of unhealthful sun exposure. Standards and research change over time. But in the end, I stick with my view that what ever actually makes you happy is all that really matters.
Yes, and your views are what I want.
I could really get on a soap box here, but that isn’t why I’ve started this topic.
Knowing what, and how people feel about a thing might help me understand how to encourage someone to exercise.
It is also interesting to me to learn things people think.
You spoke about joints. I know that that aging process can be lessened a great deal, but you must start before the horses are out of the barn to get the best results.
Most people don’t believe me, but I view age, or aging as a number, not what you must be, or must be.
I’m impressed by a 68-year-old woman who swam the English Channel.
We must age, but I believe we don’t have to age badly.
Many things can happen to us we have no control over, so I view what I do as insurance.
Longevity isn’t my motivation for what I do, but ability.
If I should take a notion to sim the English Channel at even 60, I want to be able to give it a try.
Trust me, I’ll not, but just in case.
Laughing.
Thanks for your post.
Genetics plays a big part too.
Longevity is not the goal but ability. Yes, that. I'm 46 and I feel that way.
Also medications people are on has a factor also. Long-term meds like seizure meds and other things will impact you over time.
And since I like to drink alcohol and smoke weed, well, it's all in the tradeoffs to me. Live without or less of those things so you can satisfy someone's criteria of what you should or shouldn't do, and perhaps prolong life or perhaps not, or just do what you can with what you have, and enjoy what you can.
If you're able to do everything you want, and not limited by getting winded etc. I'd say you're good.
Honestly, I'm 34 with the maturity of a 25 year old living in the body of ... what, maybe a 45 year old? I don't know. ALl I know is my posture sucks, my bones creek and crackle and my neck and back muscles hurt all the time due to the way I hold my head to see. I'd love the motivation to get more excersize because I think it would really help my physical and mental disposition. Once, just once I'd like to wake up in the morning without feeling like I went a few rounds with a back attack boxer. I have no excuse other than I already have too many interests and commitments. Good better best and all that though. There is a sort of mini jym in our building with an elyptical and other devices. For five bucks a month I think it might be worth it.
Moderate, and I do mean moderate, excersise is all well and good. I really need to do that more because I am a 33 year old old man. Going overboard, however, is no good. I eat what I want because we only live once. Maybe I should care more. Who knows.
I'm 31 and in in better condition than I've been in over a decade.
I swim several times a week and I drink significantly less than I did in college.
I have access to food donations so I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. They're quite good.
The benefits to me are enormous:
I can think clearer and I have fewer anxiety attacks.
I can control my body better. I have an improved understanding of where all my parts are in relation to one another. As someone who experiences sensory overload, confusion and shutdowns, this really matters. I get these less also.
I'm quicker on my feet. Running downstairs is like riding an escalator. It's hard to trip me up so I feel more confident moving through unfamiliar spaces. My body does what I ask of it.
I also really like the way I feel. It feels good to observe very tangible changes and realize that they're the direct result of my choices.
I'm not into deprivation either. I don't eat things I dislike, I just view the body as a machine and put good fuel into it often.
I'll inevitably lose my mind over beer, beef ribs, roast duck, ice cream, bacon-wrapped cheese-stuffed jalapenos, ... I love food. The key is that I don't make a habbit of keeping that stuff in the fridge so I don't lose my mind too often. I get to enjoy interesting food and drinks *and* good health.
I think it's about doing the right thing for a large enough percentage of the time, not *all* the time.
Also, I will not suffer tredmills or similar sensory deprivation devices. I must be able to enjoy the experience. Tredmills were made to punish prison inmates. Look it up if you don't believe me.
I really have to get into better shape. I'm not grossly out of shape, but I don't like the low endurance, and I also don't like the belly I've developed in the last while.
It's often a bit more expensive to eat healthy, and I'm living on a pretty tight budget, so a lot of what I eat is boxed stuff to one degree or another.
That said, I have done the working-out thing in the past. I usually hurt like hell for the first week, then feel great afterword. Joining a gym or something is in the cards. Eating a bit better would be nice too.
Voyager, I'm pretty much right on board with you, except the bit about sensory overload, which I obviously don't have the way you do. Being in shape, exercising more, eating better, just generally makes you feel better if you do it in moderation. Your talk of ribs, roast duck, and bacon-wrapped cheese-stuffed jalapenos makes me hungry though. And I'm writing this at quarter past four in the morning. Like you, I sorta go crazy for good food, so I have to make an effort not to keep it around too much.
I personally don't mind a treadmill though. I can set a book going, get on a treadmill and zone out to the book. It's awesome. Ditto an exercise bike. But when I do find something that works, I'd like to do some weight training as well. Nothing brutal, but getting some better muscle tone would be excellent.
I completely disagree with those who say that we cannot control our health. If you want to live better, be better and do better, I mean if you truly want these things, you will do what it takes to live that way. I say that from personal experience and as someone who has several health conditions that could knock me down at any time, for any amount of time. The thing is though, when I exercise regularly and eat three balanced meals a day I find that I feel better overall, both emotionally and physically. That makes exercise soooooooo worth it to me--I wholeheartedly believe that to a large extent, we are able to control how we feel and how our body looks.
I could certainly do without the man boobs. I'm a relatively thin person so that makes it look even worse. As far as eating I say everything in moderation.
I generally like walking around and would like climbing around on things if such a thing as an adult jungle gym existed. That being said, those elipticals? I used to work out on one and it's like going to the beach. You know how you can walk fast on sand nearly indefinitely? It's not like being on concrete or something? That's the elliptical. Minus the salt wind and sound of the ocean / seagulls.
Those suckers are cool.
I know it's not formal, but I just keep it moving is how I do things. If I wanta go somewhere, within reason, I just skip the buses and trains and just hoof it. Portland has a lot of nice hills and things to walk on so it's not just flat emptiness.
Chelsea, I agree. If I quit booze altogether I'm sure things would be better, aka middle-aged belly would be less. Though weed's not at all bad for you. I feel pretty good since I don't drink like I used to. Still, I like it, so I do it. Used to enjoy cigars and pipes but in Portland you're practically a castaway if seen outside having a cigar these days. So in the right place and time I'm down with having that, but I don't bother having a humidor anymore and all the rest. Too much static to make it as much fun anymore, at least out here.
I've tried the olyptical. They're good to use.
I don't think anyone's saying you can't control your health at all. The closest I've seen is that eating well and keeping in shape is not a guarantee against something really ugly happening to you. It may help, but it's not foolproof.
I figure if food doesn't kill you, obviously something else will, so...
I'm with y'all, I've just lost patience with ellipticals etc. When I exercise I want to hear and feel and smell things. Running alonn a beach also gives me that delightful feeling of hurtling through space. And the icy splash of the waves when I get too close.
When I move I expect something to change but the machine just absorbs the work and I get no new feedback. As a sensory experience it's totally different to me than moving in the real world.
Going for walks is fine but I have something of a people phobia.
Mind if I ask why?
I've stayed inside many times because I was afraid people would touch me. Is it like that or something else?
Yes, phobias interest me
Guess I just feel more vulnerable around total strangers because I have more than one disability.
Ah
Makes sense to me. You have no idea how they will react to you.
I also like doing exercise outside or with the world instead of machines. Don't like Tredmills s much, so use a fire escape for the cardio and it also builds leg muscles like you'd not believe.
I enjoy weight training, due to the way my body feels and the things it can do.
Okay. Thanks for all your post.
These have been interesting.
If you do get into weights, remember reps do more for you than heavy weight.
For me it absolutely is.
Greg, if you go back and re-read the posts, Pasco did say that he didn't think it was worth exercising to the degree that Wayne exercises because he believes that we cannot control what happens to ourselves. Although Pasco is right about that to an extent, it is not true for the most part.
Actually no Pasco. Lifting heavy with around 10 to 12 reps is more productive. That's a different discussion however.
There's a method to the madness.
Laughing.
Thanks for all your post.
Chelsea, I did not say that. I just said excessive exercise can do harm. I did not comment on Wayne's routine.
Heavy weight with few reps will give you large and not very toned muscles. Some folks like that look, but how useful that sort of muscle is debatable. Reps, on the other hand, provides muscle tone which is how quickly muscles can react. This creates a harder and slimmer muscle, which for the average person is much more useful. Body building is a whole different thing.
Ah, Wayne's routine is not for the beginner, and I’d not suggest anyone start with this level without the proper method, fuel, and such.
Even professional athletes forget this, or will not abide by it, and I believe this is what causes injuries, or harmful problems due to exercise.
You’d be amazed at how many abuse themselves who’d you think would be the perfect example of fitness.
I was happy to note some have learned exercise can change or improve one’s health, even when they have conditions they must live with due to birth and life’s stumbling blocks.
Thanks for your post.
Exercise is wonderful, even for my emotional health. I'm glad I've realized its benefit at a young age because many people never do, regardless of age.
Wish I had room for one of those boxing rigs.
Strange. I'm kinda down with Pasco on this one, and do agree to a point with Chelsea. I agree about the emotional aspect of keeping it moving.
But with Pasco I agree re: the best exercises is whatever will get you the maximum use.
I still say the best exercise is not really the "exercise" where you do some prescribed ritual but you just keep it moving. Carry what you need to carry, load up on what you need to load up on, and whenever possible hoof it to wherever you're going.
That doesn't square with the industry, I understand that. But I'm not here for them, they can take care of themselves.
I agree with Chelsea. Because I'vwe been in to, or at this since age 16, I've been through different stages. This has been decades.
Smile.
When I'm par, and in peak condition, or keeping a regular rootine, I am emotionally fitter all round.
Keeping fit, or exercising has gotten me through some tough times, and kept me from lapsing in to depression.
When I've got a case of L A S syndrome, I simply not emotionally as fit.
What's L A S?
Lazy assed syndrome.
Laughing.
Through study, I've learned why this is.
I don't only want to be able to carry what I want to carry, I like the feeling, the body taughtness, the boost in energy and mental levels I get. Perhaps I'm just addicted?
Laughing.
Thanks for your post.
You can get a boxing bag on a portable stand. The stand folds out, and you hang the bag up.
Wayne, if you're an addict to exercise, so am I because like you, it is not just the exercise that I love. I love the way my body feels, meaning that it feels firmer when I work out. I love the way I feel emotionally when I work out daily, meaning that I'm better able to cope with life's curve balls. I love the response I get from people which directly shows me that I look as good as I know I look. Whereas if I'm not active my body tends to be softer and looks to people who can see, like I'm a little kid. When I work out though and in turn my body is firmer, people treat me like the grown woman I am. So to those nay-sayers out there who think exercise is bad to an extent, I hope you've been given some food for thought.
Like Gregg said, I really need to get into better shape. Staying fit is definitely worth it, and I've done a lousy job at it. I know it's not horrible compared to some, but I'm 37 and feel way older than that. I miss how my body feels when I exercised regularly, and how I feel emotionally when I do. Problem is I'm not entirely sure what to do to get into that better shape. I don't have room in my apartment for a lot of equipment, and I live in an area that's not conducive to pedestrian travel or walking outdoors. (I so miss living in Denver, by the way, where I walked all the time.) I had signed up for a gym membership because originally a sighted friend did the same and said she could take me when she went, but she has stopped going herself. With the lack of public transportation around here, getting there myself would be astronomically expensive. Otherwise I'd love to do it, as part of what I enjoy is getting out of the house and being around people. I'm looking into the work-outs recorded by blind Alive, but not only is the voice description horrible, but I have a pretty personal issue with the owner of the company. However, that solution may be better than no solution, so I may have to go with it. Since this topic is about fitness, anyone have any ideas how to get regular exercise when facing these kinds of obstacles?
Sure. Smile.
I'll put together a list of things that are easy to do, and that you can do with the limitations.
You really don't need a bunch of stuff, although it is nice to have, and you don't need to spend a pile of money on the things you need.
The list.
Are there any buildings near enough that have steps?
Just a few flights will work, or a fire escape?
You start out walking up and down it until you can run to a point.
To make sure you are safe, put on some gloves, then keep your hands on the rails always as you run as quickly as you can, even letting it drop to a walk.
If you miss a step, you can catch yourself if you keep your hands always on the rails. The gloves protect them.
Do this early, so you’ll not disturb anyone, and you could even listen to music if you’ve got a headset that can stand sweat.
A jump ropes. Jump as many times as you can, stop, repeat.
On the cheap, fill two-gallon milk jugs with water.
Now, lift them. Think of where your muscles are, and work them with the jugs.
Hand weights too can be used, and ankle weights, but only for lifting with the leg weights. Do not run with them on.
Pushups, sit ups on the floor. Jumping jacks, running in place.
Squatting with the jugs in hand then standing.
You could even put something heavy in a pack, then do squats.
Sometimes college students need credits, so if you’ve got one around, call and put an add up that you need a walking partner, or running partner.
This person will be your eyes, and can even take you to the gym at the school.
High schools can work for this as well.
Buy some inexpensive exercise bands. These are rubber strings with handles.
You can wrap them around post, doors, just anything to hold them while you pull on them.
They come in colors, and depending on the color, the stiffer.
A device called a total gym fits under a bed, and you can do a decent workout with one.
Just search total gym, and you’ll find what I’m talking about. They aren’t that expensive.
There you go.
Smile.
I have more if you need them.
Good suggestions except, when doing squats, it is important you do not do deep squats, these will wreck your knees. All these exercises require some knowledge, so consult with someone who knows exercise if you do not yourself. Yoga and various forms of isometric and stretching exercise are also suited to a small living space.
A great way to do squats for people with knees that might be troubled, or who are just trying for general leg strength, isto not place the weight on your shoulders, but pull iit up from the ground.
Example, you take a hand weight and hold it between your legs.
You bend down and lift it by standing, lower it by squatting.
Less stress on your knees that way, and you build nice thighs.
SOme good suggestions here.
I actually just returned from a two day basic martial arts training workshop. A friend of mine who is totally blind is a martial arsts instructor, and there were about four of us students. It was a lot of fun, but I used all the muscles I don't normally so absolutely everything is stiff and sore now.
Time to do it again.
Smile.
I must admit I do not eat healthy. But now that I've been exercising an hour
each day, I see a slight difference and even feel good. See, the issue with
some people, is that they don't realize you need to get that cardio part in.
Walking is cool, but if your heart isn't racing, your breath isn't puffing and
your not sweating, there's not real justice to your exercise. I've cut a couple
inches of belly fat from my pregnancy from this workout. It makes me feel
good, so I'll keep doing it. but I'll also eat what I want, though to be fair, I
really like my fruits and veggies and home cook meals.
Walking for cardio only works if you walk at least 20 minutes to get your heart working. You do not actually have to be puffing, but you want your pulse elevated and you should break a sweat.
Walk 10,000 steps or around 6 miles per day and you're supposed to be good.