Movement makes the heartbeat stronger
Lenten Reflections #7 – 40 raw reflections during the Lenten Season
Lenten Reflections #7 – 40 raw reflections during the Lenten Season
While at the gym the other day I saw a family friend from church who I stopped to chat with for a minute. Typically, I am not very social at the gym – I mean, most people are listening to whatever is pumping out of their earbuds/phones so I don’t feel guilty. But I felt like I should at least say hello. After a few moments of pleasantries about family and running, he blurted, “I feel like I’m always playing catch-up at the gym! We went out of town to visit our daughters and I just haven’t been able to exercise. Plus, I retired so the pressure of the schedule is gone and even though I used to get up and run before work every day, it’s so hard now. Why is that?” He looked tired and defeated after his speech which sounded more like a confession than small talk. We tend to do that, overanalyze why we haven’t done something, and then immediately beat ourselves up because we didn’t do it.
I commiserated with him on the lowered motivation and told him somedays I have to convince myself I can always do something. Anything. A brisk walk, pushups, stretching, just move! No excuses. Plus, he was at the gym already so he was much better off than most. We said our goodbyes and I said, “I’ll see you at church, or here!” He said, “Okay, not much difference in the letters. You know CRUNCH gym and CHURCH.” Ha ha! I liked the connection.
So in an effort to spread a little motivation around, I came up with five workouts that will help carve out a fraction of our day just for ourselves. Not only will it make us happier, but everyone around you will benefit from the fact that you exercised today!
Here they are, pick one, set aside 15 minutes…
Ready, Set, Go!
#1 – 6 Rounds For Time: 10 Pushups, 10 Air Squats, 10 Sit-ups
#2 – 8 Rounds For Time: Handstand 30 seconds, 10 Squats
#3 – 10 Rounds For Time: 10 Walking Lunges, 10 Pushups
#4 – 10 Rounds For Time: 10 Pushups, 10 Sit-ups, 10 Squats
#5 – 20 Rounds For Time: 5 Pushups, 5 Squats, 5 Sit-ups
What I learned:
Muscle mass is a use-it-or-lose-it benefit. According to the National Library of Medicine, 30% of adults over age 70 have trouble with walking, getting up out of a chair, or climbing stairs. In addition to making everyday tasks difficult, mobility limitations can also cause falling, chronic disease, nursing home admission, and mortality.
Let’s opt for movement!
Thanks for joining me,
Lucretia
Continued prayers for the Pope and all on your prayer lists.
runonmom.com 