Gym Is Open (Monday)

It was my first time of doing my new routine that my trainer gave me on Saturday. It is tough. I was late to the gym so I only did 20 minutes on the treadmill and 35 minutes of the strength training. Ball crunch with weights Ball knee bend Ball Leg Lift Ball Bridge Ball Bridge Curl-in Ball Oblique twist Elbow raise with weights Ball pec fly with ring between knees Ball pullover (with bar) stability disks bicep curls stability disks upright row Tricep dips off of bench Ball squat with weights leg curls. Let me tell you that stability disk work is killer! But, should really improve my core strength. I just got back from getting my synvisc shots in my knees, so they should start doing better! What did you do to move your body today? Lori 384/242/168

Heck, Lori, after reading about all the good stuff you did, I feel like a piker. I did 3/5 mile on the armbike, then did a quick mop job on the kitchen and bathroom floors. I should vacuum today, but I don't want to! The next door neighbor was rude enough to drop by yesterday so we could meet his sister visiting from out of town (and to show off the reno job he did in our kitchen). The house was practically a sty and we're still embarrassed about it! That's why I'm mopping and dusting today, and why I should be vacuuming. The shame of it all! I can hear my late mother scolding me all the way from the hereafter! Kix

You crack me up Kix! Don't feel like a piker! Now, when it is a year after you've had your surgery, you will be able to do things you never dreamed of doing...at least that is how it has been for me. I think you are doing great!!!! Lori

I walked a couple of miles on the treadmill today.. I am having a down day today..

Marie, Keep up with the exercising. Once you start getting endorphin rushes, it really helps with the blues. But, it takes a couple of months of daily exercise....you are so doing the right thing! Hugs, Lori

Hi Lori, I went and walked with my support group for an hour at the track. Sounds like you had another great work-out. Take care, Diana 379/174/?

Good for you Diana! Have you thought about wearing a pedometer to see how many steps a day you are doing and how far you are actually going? Today is my first day and I'm really psyched about it. Lori

Hi Lori, Wow, that is a workout for sure. Do you like using the ball? I see them lying around the perimeter of the PT equipment room, but I don't think my back is stable enough for it just now. Sorry to hear your knees are painful, but hope the Synvisc does the trick! Today was a hectic day ... so no PT program this morning, but I did wall slides, a bit of back porch stair work, and about 15 mins with my home weights and stretch bands here at home. Then went to PACE class for a hour of low-impact arthritis aerobics. I've just heard from my water aerobics instructor ... arrangements are finally made for another indoor pool for our classes (our YMCA doesn't have an indoor pool , so they make agreements with local motels with indoor pools. The pool we were using has been withdrawn from use, so we haven't had a place to go.). So come Wednesday, I'll finally be back in the water after about a 6 week hiatus. I'm really looking forward to that. Keep us posted on the "ball" workouts. Myra

Myra, Great news about being able to get back to water aerobics. It is so good for those of us with back and joint problems! Yes, I do really like working out with the ball. It took me awhile to get used to, but, it has helped my back. The whole thing with the ball is to help build core strength. I know I've made great improvements in that area, but, when I did the pilates dvd this morning, I realized I still have a long way to go. There is this one pilates move where all you do is lay on your back with your legs straight out and lift your arms in a 90 degree angle to your body, then you are supposed to just roll us into a sitting position. I cannot do that! My lower back would not let me, it is too weak. It will be a goal. This is a process, for sure! Lori