Or maybe it should read, “Lift, Straighten, Repeat.” I have really been making the effort to go to the pool and exercise every day. I must admit, yesterday when I came home from work, it was really hot and sticky, and the LAST thing I wanted to do was walk down to the pool, especially when I looked out the window and saw dark clouds rolling in. But I quickly changed into my swimsuit, and walked out the door before I could talk myself out of it. As I trekked the half-mile or so to the pool, I watched the clouds, and was afraid I was going to be soaked before I ever made it to the pool. The clouds turned out to be a lot of threat, but no follow-through, so I was glad I decided to go anyway.
The only person there when I arrived was the pool monitor. I parked my belongings at the far end of the pool. The water there is four feet deep – which is perfect to do the exercises I do. I started by normally walking across the pool, with my arms to my sides, hands cupped just below the surface of the water to provide some extra resistance. I did that four times across the pool. Then I did deep lunges as I walked across the pool, deep enough to get my ears under water with each step. I also did that four times across the pool. Next, I pulled my knee all the way out of the water with each step – four times across the pool. Finally, I ended with a combination of the knee out of the water and deep lunge – four times across the pool.
The next step is a variety of leg lifts. I do 10 repetitions on each leg, for each leg lift that I do. And every time, I make sure my foot (and sometimes my knee, as well) breaks the surface of the water. I ended by doing some stretches – putting my foot on the edge of the pool, leaning over the raised foot, touching my forehead to my knee. After 45 minutes of all of this, I really feel like I’ve worked hard.
So, last night, I brought out my float. We have floats that are mesh in the middle – and on hot days that is perfect, because your body stays cool in the water. The wind was blowing hard last night, though, and while the water was comfortable, the air was quite cool. I didn’t float for very long. I got out, dried off, gathered my things and walked home.
OK – I know this recitation of my exercises is boring. However, I also know that there are several significant things about me doing this. First of all, I am actually doing it – even when I don’t really want to, and even when there are reasons (like impending weather) for me to choose not to. Secondly, I walked to and from the pool. Half a mile may not seem like much, but when I consider that in my not too distant past, that distance seemed a cross-country hike, I’m thrilled that I am ABLE to walk that far. Also, I’m excited that I’m able to do all the lifts – and lift my legs four feet! 200 pounds ago, I might have been able to lift them four inches! (Thank you, K – and Yoga!) Finally, I did all of this and didn’t absolutely collapse when I got home. I did dishes, I cooked supper for my husband, and I took a shower.
Exercise is definitely NOT my favorite thing in the world – but I do feel better when I make myself do it.
No comments:
Post a Comment