Skybird, I have to keep track of 60 "laps."

Therefore, I use pennies - line them up in groups of 5, 5's in 4 rows for 20, and 3 squares .... Would carrying around a roll of ......( no, I don't suppose so ;o).

To protect my ego, I won't admit that I've lost all sense ... cents!

Practically, I've found that I get much more of a workout when I'm lifting my arms, a lot. It might be a drum major march but would be more similar to the Stanford University band taking the field than anything else one might see on parade. I'm conscientious about keeping the blinds closed on that side of the house. I don't want anyone accusing me of taking lessons from the neighbors' dog,

Tramp

"About 6 weeks after the gardening season is wrapped up, this olde retired guy begins feeling some physical changes from sitting around so much!"

I don't like sitting around much either. Though not retired yet work is generally slow during mid winter. I do like walking around the neighborhood sometimes during the afternoon. I've been going back to doing yoga again and if conditions are good we go snowshoeing most weekends.

I have cabin fever, despite going to work. I like to walk on my breaks, but that's been pretty treacherous with the lingering ice. I tried to go for a walk here at home 2 weeks ago, wanted to see if the tube cover on the pecan tree was still there after the storms. About 20 feet in, snow started getting into my pac boots. I guess tucking my pants into my boots wasn't the right call in 15" of snow! I made it to the tree and decided to keep going, but after about 15 minutes I was cold and tired. This is the first year I've really thought about getting snowshoes, just to walk around the yard.

2 of the 3 cats will not go outside.

I guess it's time to get back into my stretching routines and lifting weights. Yoga is a good idea, gj!

I have been noticing the effects of lack of exercise much more than in winters past. I must be getting old...

So I've been trying to get out and go hiking or something, because I abhor the thought of traditional "exercise" but since I also abhor the thought of being cold, even getting the motivation for that that isnt always easy. Perhaps I should appreciate the snow a little more, if for no other reason than it gets me off my behind to go shovel.

You better stop thinking OLDE, Zach, or it just might happen! A la: Be careful what you wish for!!! I'm more than 40 years older than you--and a few months ago I "sprinted" 500 feet up the side of Bryce Canyon to get help for a woman--who was at least 25 years younger than me!--who passed out in front of me on the trail in the bottom of the canyon! Seriously! Olde is not a disease--or a catastrophe! Get your head in the right place if you don't really want to get old!

As for exercise! No one will ever find me standing on a machine in a gym staring at a wall "getting exercise," so I, too, am chomping at the bit to get back out into the yard. Really tired of this COLD weather that's keeping the snow from melting off! REALLY tired of it!!! I've been doing weights "some" days, but that's only good for the arms--and doing that "two steps at a time" thing when I'm going up the stairs, and with a split-level that's pretty frequently. But I SO can't wait to be out digging in the dirt again--and, even more, to be back out hiking in the hills somewhere.

The days are getting longer! The days are getting longer! Ohhhhm!!!

Skybird

Planning to hike this "again" next fall so I can have enough time to stop and take some of my own pics!

https://leftcoastwanderings.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/p1100753-108.jpg

http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/blogs/BryceCanyon-wallst.jpg

https://williamkang.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/bryce-canyon-national-park-8.jpg?w=917

Now THAT'S exercise! [It's called Wall Street!]

Oh, there's no wishing here, only observation haha. Of course, there's no doubt the past 3 months of leading such a sedentary lifestyle, combined with my animosity towards winter in general is not helping my situation. It could also be that I'm simply not used to not working all year, which is how I have always gotten my exercise before, through physical labor. Now I am just waiting for my season to start in the spring, and when everything is buried under the ice and snow, there's not even enough work around the house to keep my momentum going. Folding laundry and vacuuming doesn't exactly get the heart rate up haha. Maybe it's not so much that I feel old per se, just fat and lazy. Once I get moving regularly, I ought to be back to my olde self.

Looks beautiful Skybird! Me and my wife have been thinking about making some trips, as something to do rather than just toodling around Southwest Denver. We did go down to Santa Fe and Taos this past Sunday just on a bored whim and I decided we needed to go back when the weather is nicer. It was waaaay too cold (for me) to do much exploring, plus we were only there for the day, really just for a change of scenery. Hey, we walked around down there, that counts as exercise, right?

Treebarb, your experience in the yard reminded me of long ago when I decided kale wasn't for me. I'd learned that winter temperatures improved the flavor but the plants were waay out at the end of my garden, which was 150' long ... and, my back door must have been nearly 50' from the garden gate! Which I'm sure I had to dig out because there as over 4' of snow that winter! I can still remember my "trail for kale" staying around for months! It took me years before I was willing to grow kale again - and then, only after I'd learned that some people do eat it during the summer months!

Stretching is something really needed. Let me admit to the problem causing the most winter exercise motivation. Two winters ago, I began to have dizziness sometimes after I got outta the Lazyboy! It was insidious - the spell wouldn't hit me until I was about 20' away, like in the middle of the kitchen. Whoa!

MD says that it might be dehydration. Nah. Goes away during the summer! Now, it isn't too often that I'm sitting for 90 minutes at a time during the summer. But when I do, no problem. Two summers - no problem. Two winters - problem.

The blood flow may be interrupted to my head now and then but I'm not stupid! Yet. It's poor muscle tone combined with an all too sedentary lifestyle ...

I'm not likely to pass out at the bottom of Wall Street as did that lady in front of Skybird - what a pretty place to expire, don't you think? Sitting is the "new smoking" some people say. I would NOT go that far but I just gotta move! Maybe I'll be hitting the "trail for kale" next winter! Snowshoeing? Yeah, that should move a few red blood corpusles around!!

オ Steve

Zach, if you’re considering
taking a trip every now and then, and are interested in the Four Corners and
southern Utah areas, here’s some info!
Here are links to a couple RMG threads where I posted “travelogue” pics
and info. The first one was when a girl
from Boston was asking for help planning a trip to Colorado—but a few pics in
New Mexico and Utah got thrown in too!
The second one was a Thanksgiving thread where I posted a pic of a wild
turkey by one of my cabins when I was trippin’, and then it kind of morphed
into another mini-travelogue type thing, with a few more pics in Utah!

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/2128462/off-topic-can-anyone-help-me-plan-my-trip-to-colorado

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/2142319/happy-thanksgiving-everyone

Here are a couple of MY pics
of Bryce. It’s pretty amazing to just
look at it, and it’s even more amazing to be walking around among the hoodoos
down in the canyon. (NO photoshopping!)

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Im_TOj4qZ8Wt93e_oL1Ne6GaInEnMwO5fmMhph2TRlo?feat=directlink

These two were taken this
past fall at the beginning of my (what was supposed to be easy) walk thru the canyon!
It was mostly cloudy when I was there this time, so the colors aren’t as
spectacular as they were the first time I went there!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wX-I73rS7BxkK2igSoxP4jrG3Rrw_wgtl13h5wBFIHI?feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r0PeWxvk14sxXOf9TWCOfjrG3Rrw_wgtl13h5wBFIHI?feat=directlink

And here are a couple other
possibilities that weren’t in the previous threads!

A few pics of the Ute
Mountain Tribal Park that I talked about in the “Boston girl” thread, but after
a hard drive crash I wasn’t able to post pics to go with the info! This is just south of Cortez! (This is the place I’ve talked about where
I’m getting seedling trees to try to help reforest burn areas—visible in the 5th
pic, and also the place that I was looking for help with info to “eradicate”
the tamarisk! They are, actually,
succeeding fairly well in getting rid of some of it, and this past year, for
the first time in a long time, the Mancos River had water in it even in the
fall!)

Eagle Nest Ruin

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/scJiSLfwMmkhycgT0dKB2TyYSD5telCfXwXDTcTl_2U?feat=directlink

Rick, my guide, going up the
30’ ladder into Eagle Nest

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MrNNjVyZT1ovQDpVvMOG8jyYSD5telCfXwXDTcTl_2U?feat=directlink

And me coming back down the
Eagle Nest ladder! (I LOVE this ladder!)

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MMAwSZg-gRETyb1NEtiwsTyYSD5telCfXwXDTcTl_2U?feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kTah9DkANrcVVCfnitHGPDyYSD5telCfXwXDTcTl_2U?feat=directlink

Three of the ruins alcoves on
the “main” ruins trail (Lion Canyon Trail) from the other side of Lion Canyon

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gXVB7vULD7GfaX863k5kkzyYSD5telCfXwXDTcTl_2U?feat=directlink

Thousand year old potsherds
and corncobs, which, unlike Mesa Verde, are still all over the place in the
ruins!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TvQsml8vvqFMqtw0M7RvFDyYSD5telCfXwXDTcTl_2U?feat=directlink

This is a very, veryveryvery
cool slot canyon, Little Wild Horse Canyon, that’s not very far south of Green
River, Utah, which is on I-70. I was
planning to hike it again when I went by on the way back to Colorado this past
fall, but there were thunderstorms ALL around!
Slot canyon PLUS rain EQUALS: Bad Situation!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fcRrKleLnb9KDmFHzO73BGVY7bTWTqbxp-YJkmJRdpU?feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yu9F0B68Vfa3zfYMzL2qkWVY7bTWTqbxp-YJkmJRdpU?feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G4HJbdgIeueg_Dnflj1gq2VY7bTWTqbxp-YJkmJRdpU?feat=directlink

And this is my all-time
favorite hike in a National Park! It’s
Sulphur Creek in Capitol Reef at Torrey, Utah.
WAY cool! I’ve done it twice, and
plan to do it again this coming fall!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qpu1dmmmPXA6Wxih6cxcLiw_A8tejszRFUnjA0dV3qI?feat=directlink

The trail!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bx79GKT5Rq4UoWWCan2U7Sw_A8tejszRFUnjA0dV3qI?feat=directlink

In the narrows!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A1VKYnBNkupd-NHNLF7kJCw_A8tejszRFUnjA0dV3qI?feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J5VMqXeKXKYaCMHpAZjeNSw_A8tejszRFUnjA0dV3qI?feat=directlink

Along the route there are
three waterfalls you need to “get past!”
This is after passing the last one!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dKYi8ktzpadNlNi-WJQtLyw_A8tejszRFUnjA0dV3qI?feat=directlink

None of that’s gonna help
with exercise NOW, but, in my opinion, there’s no better way to get exercise
than to go out and “become” part of Nature!
If you ever DO decide to head down that direction and would like info
about a specific place—or area, just let me know. I have nice little (usually isolated)
cabins/houses to stay in at/near all these places—with kitchens, so I don’t
have to spend money on food—and they’re all very reasonable! (Many are no more than a motel, some are
actually cheaper than nearby motels!)

Ok! Where are those weights?????

Skybird

Awesome as always, Skybird! Makes these dreary days of winter seem all the worse now, as I'm listening to the wind howling outside and looking out at my lawn STILL covered in snow from Christmas...

Spring can't arrive soon enough. I would really like to get out, but, looking at dormant trees, dried up old grass, and the lingering snow is not high on my list of mood lifters. Patience is not one of my virtues, and I have so much I want to get out and do, but I won't until at least I can see the grass on my lawn again. Unless we get a nice thaw in February that won't be happening any time soon, and if the Old Farmer's is to be trusted, it doesn't look like we're going to get that this year.

Maybe I should take up an activity I really hate, sort of like if your left arm hurts, punch the right one and you'll forget about the pain in the other arm....

I have found that it is remarkably easy to control my heart rate on this 1 mile, indoor walk. Arm movement is the key to get it up to a reasonable level.

At rest, my heart rate is below 70/minute. Here is a list of these "activities" and the results. You will see how they fit better with the indoors and would be a little embarrassing, out in public.I will name one, "the move," for lack of a better term. It's just doing a little side-stepping, some short & longer strides. I can't skip. The walk with 1/4 mile of just walking. Then, I make changes.

• Walking : 86/minute
• The Move : 94/minute
• Lifting arms 280 times : 104/minute
• Lifting arms 480 times : 115/minute

Checked the pulse several times during the last couple of minutes as I'm finishing the mile.

Am I counting lifts while I'm walking? NO ! I have landmarks. "There's the door frame, Steve, touch it!" "Middle of the room! Lift!"

Between lifts, the hands come down, at least to my chest. By the way, I tried lifting my arms one at a time. I could tell that it wasn't making much difference. It's boring, sorta, it only takes 30 minutes, and it feels like I'm accomplishing something (- beyond feeling more physically comfortable thru the day :o).

Steve

I've been walking, doing lunges and push ups. Thats all I ever do in the exercise dept outside of work or stuff where its not just exercise for exercise sake but exercise just the same.

Here is a new one for me. I ran across this article on breathing exercises. It said most of us don't breathe correctly, kids do but not adults. When you breathe in the stomach is supposed to pooch out and then it draws back in on the exhale, in other words using your diaphragm instead of other muscles. Low and behold to my amazement, I find I do just the opposite in fact I even draw my stomach in on the inhale. How long has this been going on I wonder? The article said its habits developed over time from wanting to look slimmer by holding in the stomach and adults often do this.

Look at kids, kids always get it right.

So....I've been practicing to improve this. Well, I ain't easy I'm finding. I mean trying to concentrate on ones breathing takes effort and then I'm easily flubbed up as if I am trying to juggle and chew gum at the same time. I'm also finding I have a tendency to hold my breath for spells. What the heck is that? Is it stress?

Anyway, check your breathing. More oxygen is better. I won't even get into posture. I'm working on that too. I think there is a connection here.......

Here are the ones I am practicing. I fell down the stairs some years ago and I injured the intercostal muscles, they are stiff due to the injury to this day. I broke a large rib in back but its this intercostal problem that causes me dull pain all the time and the muscles up front are continually stressed from my work, its a kind of 'carpal tunnel syndrome of the intercostals' thats how I think of it, over-use stress. I'm finally trying to find a solution because lately its getting worrisome.

I really am amazed at how I incorrectly& shallowly I breathe now that its been brought to focus.

http://www.powerbreathe.com/blog/deep-breathing-exercises-for-intercostal-muscles-the-diaphragm

I try pay attention to breathing but, perhaps like you, I have had to deal with pain associated with breathing. In 2 ways, that has to do with my wrecked back. Enough back problems and any movement bring some pain.

With the pain came the wish to avoid it. That led to years of anti-inflammatory use. I was given prescriptions ... and, taken off every one is them in turn. The reason? Stomach problems. Now, I'm talking problems with breathing. The stomach is much better than years ago. It's a little "tricky" but doesn't usually give me trouble.

Steve

I've mentioned the stomach problems. I don't know how much exercise benefits the stomach. I can't help but think that increased blood flow helps ... everything!

Next stop, the intestines. Some say internet anonymity brings out the coward in some of us. Talking about digestion ... good heavens! I wish growing olde could just be developing greater dignity and metaphysical qualities until we just fade away into a god-like existence, somewhere several thousand yards above everything else going on ...

No. There are trials along the trail. Slowing physical activity results in changes all around and we may need a physic. It's the first change I notice in the fall. Normally, I'm as regular as needs be. Suddenly, the lazyboy captures me and I'm looking out the window at where I was once active. I think ∼but don't know for sure ∼ that some sort or regularity can be achieved with any level of activity. I mean, how else do bedridden people survive? I don't want to know!!

I don't want to have to adjust to the changes brought on by the seasons. It is enough to ask of us to adjust to the changes brought on by the years ... while maintaining some dignity. Oh, I'll be okay. But, I won't be okay by accident. Few of us will be.

Steve

I have some issues too but I will skip the details, suffice it to say it can ruin your day (or month) and any kind of stress attacks me in this dept which can happen immediately. Eating in restaurants will often bring it about too. I bought a large bottle of Aloe Vera gel to mix with mouthwash because the dental hygienist said its very good for keeping gums in good shape. I looked it up and it is supposed to be good for healing irritated other mucus membranes, in other words digestive irritations etc. Anyway, it tastes sort of salty but otherwise pretty much flavorless, definitely not great because of the texture but I am thinking of trying it out. I will have to mix it with something to gag it down. I'm curious to see if it helps but haven't gotten the nerve yet to slug a glass down.

I noticed something with the breathing thing, since I'm really observing. When I am working I don't breath wrong, the stomach goes out with the exhale because I am relaxed. I do it when standing after any length of time because thats when it hurts. Of course sitting like I have to do while working is the culprit because I am using the stomach muscles all the time to paint and not touch the board so its a vicious cycle even though I am comfortable in that position. When pain is occurring in the mid section (back or front) I tense up so breathing tenses too because there is no way to feel comfortable and thats what happens while standing. It also hurts to just sit, like eating at a table. If I raise my arms above my head and put my hands behind my neck, it stretches the intercostals or whatever and I am comfortable so I find myself sitting like that when talking to people in a room while sitting. I probably look stupid.

Weirdly I have no pain if walking fast or constantly moving like in the garden but if I am walking slow or standing at the counter preparing dinner or something like that, it hurts bad. I bought an Ab Roller, like the one on TV thinking I needed to strengthen the core muscles. Get this. I was able to do 50 right off the bat and could have kept going because the upper stomach muscles are so over worked that they are like concrete, in fact thats what they feel like against my ribs and that seems to restrict deep breathing. I was real disappointed but knew after that first try it was the wrong solution. Obviously I need to work on the weak muscles elsewhere, specifically the back muscles where things are too stretched and flabby and leave those front ones alone. Its like a bridge, you pull one part out of balance and the rest moves out of line with it, anyway thats my theory. So, now I am doing floor exercises, the ones for back pain -- strengthening & stretching. I started yesterday.

I have the feeling that your observations will lead you the proper direction, TR. Yoga, that's what it's all about, right? Paying attention and correcting ...

I'm off to that greens thread to tell you all about things happening in my winter greenhouse!

Including, sowing some seed ...

Steve

Yoga. For sure, probably the best thing for the core. I did some downward dogs last night, it's been a long time but I still remembered. Stretching feels good. Oxygen, plenty of water, healthy food, sunshine, exercise & gardening. It can't hurt.