Embrace Your Destiny: Enjoy the Improvements

A new stretch 

Week by week, I'm getting stronger. I see improvement in leg strength almost daily. How do I know? My most immediate example is what else, just walking. 

I had done hot yoga followed by an hour workout at the gym. I had worked on leg strength that day. Normally, after doing both activities, my legs feel heavy and tired.They did feel a bit tired, but my son-in-law, Philippe invited me to take a walk with him. I love walking and it was a beautiful day. Of course, I said yes. We walked on a gravel road that was very rough in places. It had holes and uneven loose gravel and was hilly. We went to the top of a hill then turned around to go home. Even on the return hike, I had no problem with balance or leg motion. My right foot rarely toe-tapped and I didn't need to hold Philippe's arm very often. That's progress!

Embrace Your Destiny: Working on Core Strength

I'm slapping the ropes from side to side

My trainer, Lacey has a long list of core strength exercises. I think she gives me a new one every time I have a coaching session. She likes to pair core strength exercises with leg strengthening. 

The work plan always starts with a warm up series of 3 or 4 exercises. I repeat the series 2 or 3 times. Then we shift to another group of exercises for some part of the body such as shoulders, core, front legs or back legs. Sometimes we stay in the same area and use a mat and other tools. We usually end in the free weight area or in the machine area to work the same muscle group.

Embrace Your Destiny: Strength Training with Lacey

Before going to the more complex and stressful topic of drug therapies, I want to tell you how enthused I am about my new strength training regime. My goal is to work with my trainer, Lacey one hour a week. Supplementing that I will go on my own at least once  more per week. Some weeks maybe more.

For seniors over 65 on Medicare, the Silver Sneakers program is free. We found a new, beautiful Gold's Gym just across the street from my Hot Yoga Studio. Every time Lacey introduces me to new apparatuses like the big cable machine, she shows me how to work the machine and do the exercise properly. Safety is her mantra, I'm sure. She always asks if I got sore. I answer "no". She starts with small weights. I tell her if we can go up or down.

After four lessons, numerous practice sessions on my own, I can report definite improvement. How you ask? Here is what I know:

• I am not getting fatigued standing to cook late in the afternoon.
• I haven't fallen in standing poses at yoga.
• My core balance is helping me get dressed easier. 
• My walking is improving. It's not as jerky and the toe tapping is rare.

Since my goal is better walking, more endurance, and improved core strength, I'm happy with these results. Yes, it takes time but I figure this is my work, my job and it's really kinda fun!

We'll do more serious stuff next time.