Two things precipitated this post. First, my five year old computer is DOA. The onboard video chip just stopped working. I thought it was the video card but the Blue Screen of Death should have been enough for me to realize it was the motherboard. So I have been monitoring via Suzy’s computer or the one in the family room. Neither have my favs or Blog list. So I am kinda discombobulated.
Then, Josie and her family finally were able to move into their new house. Well, new if you consider built in the sixties new. We’ve been working on renovating it for three months. So Suzy and I have been working on fixing up the basement to be a music studio. After numerous trips up and down the stairs carrying things like the bass sax, the Roland organ, and the audio speakers, my knees and back are shot for the time being. So this weekend for the first time in months, we are trying to take it easy.
I’m thinking that just moving stuff downstairs should not practically debilitate me. But I spend weekdays in front to the computer. Sometimes I sit down to my desk at work and suddenly it is three hours later! So I’m thinking about how to build exercise into my schedule. I already eschew the elevators at work, using the stairs to get my system going but here are some more ideas I have.
1. Lauren Archer talks about the "First Things First" Rule. It reminded me of when Suzy and I were first establishing ourselves financially. Once we started making enough to feed, shelter and clothe ourselves, we started halfing any cost of living or pay raise and putting it away for a rainy day. We did it so that we never saw the money through payroll deduction. Well in exercise, before I sit down to my computer I stretch or do ten minutes of bending, crunchies, or pushups. Then no matter how long I end up working, I’ve gotten some exercise in.2. Use the "Ten Minute" rule to get 30 minutes of exercise in a day.3. Everything counts. Walking after dinner, using the stairs at work, doing crunchies during the advertisements on TV, or squats while waiting for dinner to finish in the microwave.4. Stretch when you get up in the morning and periodically throughout the day. Ever watch your pets. Our cats often, if not always, stretch when getting up. Shelby our 11-year old German Sheppard stretches when ever I call her to go for a walk. It’s a natural thing that you could easily incorporate into your day. I often put my foot up on the bathroom counter and stretch back and forth while I brush my teeth or shave. It feels great and I like stretching, but it wasn’t intuitive to me.
So no matter how busy I am during the day, I’ve built in exercise into my daily activities. The benefits are found in increased stamina, an improved sense of well-being, and more flexibility. And whether I can prove it or not, it seems to me that you can reduce the chance of injury that comes with inactivity.
What are your tricks to staying healthy and balanced?
The Bis Key Chronicles 
I am a fanatic (almost) about my diet so I don’t have to worry about my back, knees, and stomach supporting alot of excess weight. With that said at 103 lbs my knees are still stiff in the morning when I hit the steps (ahh this aging thing). I take stairs wherever I go, park far away, have a treadmill which I currently have been slacking on :-( My husband and I like to walk and hike. This is a good post and advice Jim. Everyone needs to keep moving and fight inactivity.
At aqge 76 my "get up and go" has already "got up and went". While lack of energy is hard to change, I make it a point to get up several times during the day, and each time try to add on one extra little chore that gives a little bit more exercise. I also try to use the stairs a bit more. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Mom