KEEP ACTIVE THIS WINTER

People who stay in motion, stay in motion…people who stay at rest…stay at rest. We’ve all heard the commercial.  It’s tempting to just curl up and wait for the spring to come to get back outside and move around.  Some folks just pick up and go where it’s warm. Then there are the rest of us.  

So how do you stay in motion? Perhaps you go to the gym, or the pool. Those are terrific ways of keeping active. If you are like me and many others you might not be so adventurous. Don’t worry – there is hope.

Personally, I have tried many things. Foremost is the Pedal Exerciser. This simple piece of equipment is simply what it says it is – a peddler. You sit it on the ground in front of your chair and pedal. It folds for easy storage and costs a lot less than an exercise bike!

Another favorite of mine is the stepper – Using a step stool with some good traction on it, some music or a good TV program, step on and off repeatedly. It gets you moving and again the step stool is easy to store, or use elsewhere.  Do you feel a bit too unsteady for this? There are also step stools with handles – like the type your doctor or physical therapist has for getting on and off the exam table.

These suggestions can be enhanced by wearing ankle weights or swinging your arms by your side.  Remember to be safe and have fun!

As with any form of exercise, check with your doctor if you have any reservations about increasing your activity level.