Those Who Can't Exercise

[viviennem]

The thread about the BBC2 new series The Men Who Made Us Fat triggered these thoughts, but I decided to post them here 'cos I didn't want to send the discussion off on a tangent.

Noblehead posted:

. . . eating fast food and sitting about on our backsides makes us fat

I'm not sure the quote is exact but something along those lines.

Now I'm not offended and haven't taken it personally, so I'm not criticising you directly, Noblehead. You were talking about what the programme's message might be. But it saddened me rather, as it does reflect an underlying attitude - probably an unconscious attitude - that by implication, those of us who don't exercise - choose not to.

I admire and applaud those of you who can exercise. I used to love my dog walks and miss them - miss also having a dog about the place. To have a dog now would be unfair to the dog, as I can't walk far enough to exercise one. I know my cardiovascular fitness is nowhere near what it should be, and my muscle tone can only be described as 'flabby'. I don't exactly like being in this condition.

I am extremely frustrated that all I can do in this beautiful Dales countryside is take my car to a high place and walk maybe 200 metres before I have to get back into it. I can't even get around the supermarket without using a trolley for support :lol: , and I have been told not to use the treadmill or any weight equipment for fear of aggravating the nerves leading from my lower spine. I can use the exercise bike and do, a couple of times a week, but it's not the same as walking the fells. Most of my exercise these days comes from gardening and mowing the lawn.

It would be nice if occasionally the fit people among us would remember that there are some people on this forum who don't exercise because they can't, not because they can't be bothered.

In fact, I spend most of my time sitting on my backside because I can't stand or walk for very long without considerable pain.

I am not looking forward to the day when I can't afford to run a car. I will be pretty well trapped in my own home. When that happens, the sooner I die the better.

Moment of self-pity over! . Gives self a shake - onwards and upwards! I still have a novel to write :lol:

Viv 8)

 

[noblehead]

Now I'm not offended and haven't taken it personally, so I'm not criticising you directly, Noblehead. You were talking about what the programme's message might be. But it saddened me rather, as it does reflect an underlying attitude - probably an unconscious attitude - that by implication, those of us who don't exercise - choose not to.

That's correct Viv that this is the message/conclusion they often come to at the end of such programmes, although as I said in the other thread I have yet to watch the programme.

 

[viviennem]

I realised that, Noblehead, but forgot to point it out in my post.

The 'choose not to' message is a publicly-accepted one, and I know it's not yours. I'm sad to see it occuring, though, although as I said probably unconsciously, on this forum. It's the way people drop "don't forget to exercise" and "exercise is essential" into posts, without thinking to add "if you can". By definition, at least at present, the majority of Type 2s are in the older generations and therefore more likely to have physical problems. To get even the implication that it's your fault if you don't can be hurtful, even if you know it's not meant to be.

If I'd been diagnosed Type 2 at 50 instead of 60 I still had a dog and was still walking about 25 miles a week, though I did have back pain. My problems have only really become debilitating since about 2008.

As for adding "if you can" - either I'm being over-sensitive today, or I'm sliding into Political Correctness! :shock: :wink: :lol:

Viv 8)

 

[phoenix]

But you do exercise Viv, an exercise bike, gardening and especially mowing the lawn are all good forms of exercise.
I actually don't think there are many people who can't do some.
My mother has Parkinson's and arthritis that has deformed her feet and hands ,all her joints are painful. She also has osteoporosis. She is unable to walk more than a few steps with a frame. Nevertheless, she still does some leg and arm exercises every day.
Perhaps she's one of the reasons I do as much as I can, whilst I can.

 

[Unbeliever]

Its another offensive part of the stereotyping. In fact stereotpin is always odious. It doesn't require much observation to
work out that to assume that those who are overweigh don' exercise is totally untrue.

I understnd your fears Viv. I walk daily to help keep my levels under control. if i don't i see an immediately adverse effect upon my sight. So here's a good incentive. I have had intermitent nerve pains in my back and have suffered with trapped nerves on several occasions. Just lately I have had very bad cramps and pain in my ankles , calves highs , which interrupt my sleep.
They don't always disappear during the day. I am terrified hat I will o be able to exercise and my sigh will further deteriorate.
I know what you mean about the car thing too Of course I don't drive now buut my husband does. if we could no longer afford a card we would be confned o his small village with very infrequen bus service and which doesn't ake you to anywhere you would want o go and stops altogether at 6pm.
I keep wondering if i should move now before his happens but much would depend on whether I could see or not.
Its all very well people telling you that you can lead a fulflling life housebound and with other disabilities etc. Maybbe some can
but I tend to think you know yourself quite well by the ime you reach your sixties.
Lets hope the "worst " never happens to either of us!

 

[noblehead]

As for adding "if you can" - either I'm being over-sensitive today, or I'm sliding into Political Correctness! :shock: :wink: :lol:

No I don't think your being over-sensitive Viv and fully understand what you are saying, I'm in contact with people on a daily basis who are less fortunate than ourselves and fully appreciate the hurdles they face. Not really sure if we should put words like ''if you can'' into posts because where do you draw the line?....you could start a new thread and ask members their view on which is the best approach.

 

[Mileana]

I am so lucky my condition improved but I know exactly what you ladies are talking about. I didn't have a car, and I couldn't walk anywhere or carry anything - it was driving me absolutely insane and made me very depressed.

I will keep my fingers crossed, and my toes too, that you willl have your cars and your little breaks, how small they may be, for a long long long time to come.

I was sent in a hot water pool to train, but didn't even really manage that - would sleep for days afterwards, so even if I may recommend wriggling a toe for exercise if that's what you can do, I know first hand how it is when you just can't...

-M

 

[viviennem]

Thanks for that, Phoenix . I hope your Mum still enjoys her life - she sounds a determined lady.

I think the reason I hate not being able to walk much may have something to do with vanity . I used to have such a lovely walk, tall and straight and long-legged; now I waddle and can't stop throwing my right leg out to the side. . Am I just hating encroaching old age?

I do some exercise, but ! don't do enough - particularly in the winter, and on days like this when someone is throwing the entire Atlantic Ocean at us!. If I don't do enough in the summer I can do even less in the next months. Perhaps I ought to take up housework :wink: :lol: . These 1-bedroomed OAP bunglaows take very little looking after.

Sorry - it must be one of my moany days and it's good to have somewhere to unload it all - gets it out of my system and you can all ignore me if you like - I'm none the wiser :lol: .

Just realised I've been sitting on my fat behind at this computer for nearly 4 hours :shock: . I have been waggling my feet a bit, though :wink:

Unbeliever, I think one of the worst things about getting older is the fear of further deterioration and helplessness; it must be dreadful to be completely isolated. Our villages sound about the same regarding public transport - I have a bus pass, but what's a bus? :lol: Our service is 2-hourly. I should use it more, but I can't walk round the shops when I get there, let alone manage my shopping getting it home on the bus! When I don't have a car and can hardly walk at all, I shall have to go to our practice's main surgery, about 9 miles away, which will take me 4 hours to get there and back.

I must be much more depressed today than I thought I was. Maybe I'd better go and have some lunch! There are a lot of people much worse off than I am, and lots of places that would be much worse to live in. One day at a time, perhaps? :wink:

Viv 8)

 

[hanadr]

Viv
I'm certainly not belittling your situation, because I know other people in the same position. I belong to a local authority owned gym, which holds chair based exercise classes.These are attended by people in wheelchairs as well as some of us who are fully mobile. I also attend exercise classes in the swimming pool. Most of my water exercise buddies CANNOT do their exercise on land.I certainly cannot do 10 minutes solid "jumpingjacks" on land, but I can in the pool. Checck out your local leisuref facilities. You may find something like the facilities we have.
And noblehead
It has been shown that usually people who sit around a lot, do so AFTER they have lost the ability to be active not before.
Hana

 

[minitata]

Viv
I'm certainly not belittling your situation, because I know other people in the same position. I belong to a local authority owned gym, which holds chair based exercise classes.These are attended by people in wheelchairs as well as some of us who are fully mobile. I also attend exercise classes in the swimming pool. Most of my water exercise buddies CANNOT do their exercise on land.I certainly cannot do 10 minutes solid "jumpingjacks" on land, but I can in the pool. Checck out your local leisuref facilities. You may find something like the facilities we have.
And noblehead
It has been shown that usually people who sit around a lot, do so AFTER they have lost the ability to be active not before.
Hana

I want to go swimming but I need help to undress and dress. My husband is my carer and would happily come with me but the swimming baths would charge him spectator fees - even though he would be in the car most of the time that I was in the water as he hates the smell of swimming baths. It would cost £3 for me and £1.5 for him and to be honest we just can't afford it.

My car is a Motability one, so as long as the Government don't decide to take it off me, all I have to pay is for the fuel (plus my DLA mobility payment of course). Well worth the money as far as I'm concerned.

 

[hanadr]

It's shocking that a sports facility charges a carer. Our Leisure Centre has reduced prices for many categories of user and DOES NOT charge carers. I would make a fuss about that.
Hana

 

[noblehead]

I want to go swimming but I need help to undress and dress. My husband is my carer and would happily come with me but the swimming baths would charge him spectator fees - even though he would be in the car most of the time that I was in the water as he hates the smell of swimming baths.

That is shocking Minitata, have you asked if there is concessions for carers?

 

[GranRita]

Hate Walking, always have, so that's out! Sequence dancing, now that is a delightful form of gentle exercise, & socialising at the same time. For us retired people, the learning of new dances exercises our brains too. I have been T2 for over 2 years now. BG. swings between 6.5 & 7.5 on 2 metformin & 1 sitagliptin. Following reasonably balanced diet, also. 77 & counting!! Dancing 3 afternoons per week.

 

[viviennem]

I would love to dance - can't stand long enough to do it. Also I don't know where they offer classes - certainly not locally. I once did Beginners' Ballet for stretch, balance and posture - great stuff! Hmmm . . . I know those moves. I might try just 10 minutes a day of basics, clutching the back of the sofa.

I would love to swim - nearest pool is a 32-mile round trip, and Joe Public can't get in until about 8pm, when the Army have finished with it. (Shame! :wink: ). Also the pools are for swimmers, not sinkers! (Actually I am the only person I know who can float happily on their front - built-in water wings :wink: )

I am a member of our local gym, which is where I use the exercise bike, but that is a 14-mile round trip so I tend only to go when I have another reason for taking the car out.

If only the Jet Stream would shift I could do more gardening and boost my Vit D levels at the same time .

I am giong to stop moaning and attempt a daily walk round the block - when it's not raining :roll: .

Thanks for being so supportive, folks .

Viv 8)



Viv 8)

 

[IanD]

25 years ago I was very unfit - family & work prevented any formal exercise. I then took up tennis & regained my fitness. It's an "exercise" I enjoy & could keep it up. Also it necessarily is done in company, & I am convinced that anything done in company with others is more likely to be continued. We build friendships. (Like this forum.)

Despite exercise I was diagnosed diabetic 12 years ago. I continued my tennis until the effects of the DUK diet stopped me. I was also going to the heart rehab gym class at our hospital gym (with my wife - who had had a heart attack while swimming - she felt funny, got out & collapsed. She still swims - 40 lengths most days. There is a nominal annual charge.) When the effects of the DUK diet hit, I could not do the gentle exercises & spent much of the exercise class sitting in the office. Now table tennis & badminton are included in the exercise class.

At that time I joined 2 choirs. If you can't run about, you can still sing - & singing is beneficial for breath control etc. It is also a non-load exercise in company. It's also beneficial to the elderly groups we entertain - some sing along with us & the old songs we sing bring back the memories. One old lady gets up to dance - & is immediately partnered by a carer, lest she fall.

Our local community centre has many groups that cater for the elderly - singing, line dancing, ballroom dancing & of course social activities. Most churches have activities that encourage the elderly to attend - unbelievers welcome(!) - it's never too late to start believing in Jesus, & a living faith gives us continued hope as we get older, & we can welcome church visitors.

Happily, the forum advice on low carb diet restored my health, but I continue the activities I began when I became unfit.

 

[Scardoc]

The thread about the BBC2 new series The Men Who Made Us Fat triggered these thoughts, but I decided to post them here 'cos I didn't want to send the discussion off on a tangent.

Noblehead posted:

. . . eating fast food and sitting about on our backsides makes us fat

I'm not sure the quote is exact but something along those lines.

Now I'm not offended and haven't taken it personally, so I'm not criticising you directly, Noblehead. You were talking about what the programme's message might be. But it saddened me rather, as it does reflect an underlying attitude - probably an unconscious attitude - that by implication, those of us who don't exercise - choose not to.

Viv,

The majority of my longer, ranty posts will at some point show me for what I am - a staunch advocator of exercise. However, I do try and always get in that for me, the emphasis is on leading an active lifestyle from an early age as prevention. There are too many overweight children around and I think it's a terrible shame because they learn from their parent's attitude towards eating and exercise. Once an adult, the choice is yours but in this day and age, knowing all we do, people still wait until they are in poor shape to decide it's worth doing something about.

I don't think anyone would be insensitive enough to direct such comments at people who genuinely can't do anything. If I do forget about people in your situation it's normally because my focus is on what I perceive to be the majority who choose not to. I'll also quickly add that no, not children are fat through not exercising and not all parents are to blame!

 

[GraceK]

Viv - I read your post and could have sworn I'd written it myself! You're not alone in being willing but unable to exercise much nor in your frustration at the assumption that those of us who can't exercise, choose not to. Like yourself I was once an avid walker, I also cycled to work and to the shops every day, I went to evening keep fit classes and I also did a lot of toing and froing to my parents house and in effect, had two homes to run by the time I was 30 because they were in ill health.

Sometimes we women are our own worst enemies because we don't know when to stop and rest or perhaps we just don't get the chance to notice when we need a rest ourselves. All I know is, once the menopause hit me out of the blue at 39, every muscle and bone in my body suddenly said "Hello!" to me with a vengeance and I was aware of every single one of them whereas before, they were just the things that were holding me up and keeping everything in place. Every day I thought, "It'll get better soon." but it didn't and there were months when I thought I had glass in the soles of my feet they were so painful. When we lose one hormone it affects the production of all the others and insulin is a hormone.

I have a friend who was going through the same thing at the same time and we used to laugh at each other as we grew fatter and achier and rocked back and forth trying to get up out of our chairs before hobbling to the kitchen to put the kettle on. If we hadn't laughed we'd have cried a lot of the time. Now we're both grey and can remember the days when we climbed ladders and painted and decorated our own homes after doing a full days work and then cooking a meal for the family and went line dancing afterwards! So I think it's definitely safe to say, we're not fat because of laziness, and we don't avoid exercise out of laziness either. Maybe we should get T-shirts printed with the slogan "I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE THINKING AND YOU'RE WRONG!" :lol:

 

[viviennem]

Love the T-shirt idea, Grace!

Maybe it's time for "Hell's Grannies" to rise up? (Monty Python - remember?)

Viv 8)

 

[sue32]

I agree totally. I have a number of medical problems which mean I am unable to exercise. I am classed a physically disabled and it really annoys me when people tell me I should walk more. Don't you think I would if I could?? I don't choose to be the way I am. I too have to use a trolley to go to the supermarket, even if I just need 1 or 2 items, I have to park as close to the doors as I can, not always possible, so I have to go back home again and try later. My pain consultant told me that if I begin to feel pain when I'm walking I MUST stop as my body is telling me I'm doing damage. My spine is totalled, and my fibromyalgia causes me agonising pain. What am I to do??? :x

 

[viviennem]

I feel for you, Sue! My spinal doc says I can only use the exercise bike in the gym - no weights, no treadmill, no trying to walk too far - but at least I got a diagnosis, which is lumbar spinal stenosis. Somehow it feels much better to know what the problem is!

Which statin are you on? I came off SImvastatin after I discovered it could cause muscle and joint pain, and am definitely better for it - worth discussing with your GP. I won't take statins now. Also, because my pain is caused by spinal arthritis pinching the nerves, I take a low dose of opiod (Nortryptilene) at night, which makes things much better. Sometimes (like today) I still feel it, but not as crippling as it once was.

Hnag on in there! Make a nuisance of yourself until they find something that can help you a bit. I'm a great believer in bursting into tears over my GP - gets results every time! :wink:

Viv 8)