I woke up this morning very aware of my triceps, the muscles in my forearms, and my hamstrings. None of these body parts hurt but they definitely were begging for attention. I was certain these sensations were because of my workout the day before. I grabbed the sheet titled, “Ten stretches that should be done every day” my new trainer Michelle had given me on July 16, our first session.
I was relieved that after a few sessions working with me, she crossed off some of them – including one called Bow pose, a stretch done belly down-grabbing both ankles to extend the back then holding for one minute. My arms and legs would not connect in that particular position, so she had mercy on me and let it go.
Michelle gets it that I am seventy-seven years old even when I don’t and insist on trying the Bow pose and pull a tiny muscle in my chest. Because of my diagnosis of osteoporosis, the doctor tells me I need to exercise to build muscles to pull on the bones and make them stronger.
The thing is, I am by nature a sedentary person. I love to write and read books. Walking with my poles is fun, especially if Wendell agrees to join me. But lifting weights? Please let me get it over with as fast as I can.
But I am happy to report that Michelle’s enthusiasm for movement and strength training has me excited about what my aging body can do if I listen and pay attention. When my body responds by giving me a sensation of tightness or being there in a new way like it was this morning, I think to myself that my body isn’t paying attention to the number of birthdays I have celebrated so why should I? I’m learning that my body wants to move and enjoy being alive!
Right now I’m in the ‘honeymoon’ period of working with a new trainer. I’m old enough to know that my enthusiasm probably won’t last forever. See how I inserted probably? I want to believe that I will always feel this determined to exercise.
Is exercise a part of your life? How do you keep motivated? Please share by letting me in on your secrets.
