Retirement, Simple Living, and Me: Warning! Talk of Physical Fitness

So I've noticed there seems to be a plethora of articles on the subject of retirement. Apparently, old folks need an enormous amount of guidance on how to spend their days, money, and leisure time. One article encouraged moving into a community of "like minded" people, whatever that means, and another suggested getting a dog. I guess that one is so if all else fails, at least you'll have one loving and loyal friend.  

Although there are numerous articles that deal with different subjects, they all seem to end up with: You need to get up off the couch and get moving!  Apparently, lack of movement is the number one hazard for old folks. Who knew?  I would have thought the only way to avoid a hip fracture or other catastrophe would be to stay completely still. But I guess that's just me. 

I am not going to waste any one's time by saying I have always been and continue to be a fitness buff. I wouldn't even know how to start making up a story like that. 

With that being said, I have been walking almost daily with my hound dogs and as I have written in other posts, I really do enjoy that. But as far as other physical activity goes, well let's just say I feel a kindred spirit with Winnie the Pooh when he says, "Stretching for a jar of honey on the top shelf of the larder is an enjoyable exercise--especially around elevenish."

So how does a person, who really would rather not get up off the couch and get  moving, in fact, get up off the couch and get moving?  I figured my first move should be researching the different options for physical fitness offered in my community. 

I do have the option of joining up at my neighborhood gym with my Silver Sneakers program ( a perk of Medicare ), but going to the gym seems like a whole lot of effort. Besides, I just read an article on Facebook with a warning that said, and I quote, "old people don't do these seven exercises!" That was enough for me.

Next, I read somewhere that swimming is a great, low impact exercise for anyone actually, not just "older" folks. But once again I was reminded of another piece of advice given by my friends from the 100 acre wood and that is, "Don't swim for so long in a stream, river, or unheated pool that your tail becomes numb." So, I gave up on that idea.

As for running, which quiet honestly would never enter my mind, I'm sticking with Eeyore's advice which is simple and to the point: Don't.

Then I saw an article about Tai Chi. This activity involves slow movement and is a great way to relieve stress while gently stretching muscles and breathing deeply. A class was being held just a couple of blocks from my house. No special clothing or equipment needed, it was indoors, and free of charge. Sounded just right. So, I signed up and started attending classes a couple of weeks ago.

So far, it is meeting all my expectations and requirements. After all who can complain about "exercise" that doesn't require any bending, jumping, squatting, getting down on the floor and getting back up, standing on one leg , lifting anything, or sweating? Not me, for sure.

So, if you too are looking for a way to get up off the couch and get moving, I just want you to remember not to be swayed by all those glitzy ads showing young, slim, cute folks wearing their designer "active wear" and apparently enjoying themselves while engaging in various "week-end warrior" activities. I assure you they are not having any more fun than a roomful of old folks wearing high- waisted pants and Velcro fastened tennis shoes who are quietly staring at their hands while trying not to fall over.

That's it for now.
Check back later!