"A new you in 42"

Andy12345 said:

i am in! of course hehe, as i do it now, im pledging to do an extra 30 mins on top each day, remember everyone that exercise for some can be a gentle walk they wouldnt normally do, there is no level to reach, just an extra amount of movement to normal, you dont have to do 30 minute intensive exercise to play, if you cant get out of the chair, do arm lifts holding a book in each hand, it dosent matter what it is, just join in

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Right Andy12345
If its ok to do arm lifts in a chair as 30 mins exercise, just what is wrong with doing arm lifts with knitting needles and wool? Chunky wool and a garment for a large person at that!

Are you knittophobic?
Pipp

Andy12345 said:

lol noooo i love knitting, my mum is a knitathoner, im sure she knits when she is sleeping, i just cant see the health benefits from a db point of view but now i think about it, if you like knitting, it will reduce your stress and therefore potentially reduce bg this coupled with using heavy needles and chunky wool, i retract my knittist statement, it is of course includable in the challenge,

in fact i may do a little knitting myself

No wooly jumpers were harmed in the making of this thread

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Hahaha, Andy12345
Very diplomatic. I have sooo missed winding you up that I had to wind wool for the last week.
I was not seriously including knitting as my exercise, even though there is much arm moving involved. However, If I am knitting I am not eating, so yes, does help with the weight loss and bg control.

Maybe I will try knitting and hula hooping simultaneously.
Pipp

The challenge has, so far, been a real challenge for me. When I agreed to participate I had forgotten that I would not be able to get to the swimming pool for a week or so, which is about the only place I am able to move without pain, or falling over.

Still, I do like a challenge, so, thank you Jamrox et al for providing me with an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone, and be a bit inventive. My week went like this:
Monday morning 3 x 10 minute walks with 20 minute rests in between, around a nature reserve. With a lot of pain killers. Then perhaps spaced out on success and painkillers a 40 minute country walk in the evening, which wasn't one of my better ideas, as I walked out from where I was staying pushing myself to the limit of endurance. Then I realised I had to walk back. Only place to sit for a rest was on a ricketty stile in the middle of a lot of mud and biting midges.

Tuesday: 10 minutes walking at snail pace around the Co-op holding on to a trolley to stay upright. Followed by a long lie down for most of the day. But with 20 minutes still to do managed 10 minutes cleaning worktops, yes leaning on them. I then managed 10 minutes of Pilates exercises, new to me but recommended by physiotherapist.

Wednesday: 2 x 10 minute sessions slow walking, then later in the day 10 minutes Pilates and 7 minutes physio exercises (arm swinging, foot paddling). The physio was from the comfort of my chair.

Thursday: 3x10 minute walks, spaced through the day

Friday: 1 x 10 minute walk, 20 minutes cleaning bath and tiles, 10 minutes Pilates.

Today: for the first time in many months I attempted to use the vacuum cleaner. Managed to stand holding onto window ledge to steady myself, and move the hose back and forward along the carpet for 5 minutes, before beloved spouse took over. So I sulkily went to wipe the cooker and work tops instead. ( i say sulkily, but secretly if I can get away with spouse taking control of vacuum cleaner then who am I to complain?). This took exercise time to 12 minutes. I had to drive for 3 hours to get back home today, so fitting the extra time has been difficult. I did make sure I kept paddling my feet on the journey, (just love that cruise control on the motorway) but not sure the the exercise compliance officer aka Andy12345 would regard that as exercise, so I have had 3 x3 minute circuits of the garden, which was curtailed by peeing down rain, plus 10 minutes of Pilates exercise.

Compared to the rest of you, with your very impressive efforts, this seems like a pathetic effort. Please be kind ----- sympathy bid coming here-----, It is only in the last few weeks that I have been able to do much for myself following a major operation early this year, so I am trying hard to remember that I am not in a sprint, but rather a stroll through life to stop and enjoy the places, people and events en route.
I am inspired by the experiences I read about on the forum and think you are all brilliant in your endeavours to be as healthy as you can be.

Be well
Pipp