Fitness: Is It Ever Too Late? Reform the Couch Potatoes

Last night I visited my mother at her assisted living apartment. It was one of those challenging visits where she complained about everything including the fact that she’s not getting physical therapy and her care team won’t let her get up and walk on her own. She’s bed or wheelchair bound, in hospice care, and has fallen many times over the past year. I consulted privately with her full time aide and learned that the aide has suggested that they go to the seated exercise class but my mother refuses. It’s hard to watch people’s health and strength deteriorate, hard to listen to their frustration especially when they refuse opportunities available to them. I keep reminding myself that she’s doing the best she can and try not to judge whether her best is good or not. Note to self: do more exercise.
Is it ever too late? Human bodies do wear out with age. That doesn’t mean we should all simply give up, sit down, and wait to die. Here’s a story about a young (47) man’s transformation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9FSZJu448

We’ll all have different levels of results, but only if we begin. Start where you are. You don’t need to compete in a triathlon or run a marathon. If you’re really out of shape, maybe you don’t even need to get off the couch at first. Make that couch your workout partner by sitting on it and raising your legs, marching in place as you sit there, raising your arms and lowering them. Feel like stretching out and taking a nap? First do some side leg raises since you’re stretched out anyway. If you’re on my couch, don’t kick the cat.

Remember, it’s easier  to maintain a routine than to get back in shape. If you’re already exercising, congratulate yourself and keep it up.