One needs to understand the pressure that being overweight and lack of exercise puts on the heart and lungs. Both are relevant to people over 70 years of age because many tend to sit down, eat more and enjoy board games or, like me, on the computer. Sitting for hours is extremely unhealthy and one day an inner voice told me to join a gym. This was completely unexpected and obeying that voice was for the best.
That inner voice is well known to me by the memory of reincarnation and the link with the Universal Spirit, the real God. He has given me a job to do, which is why I spend long hours on the computer. For the past 30 years or so, exercise has involved only garden maintenance and walks, plus housework.
Now the command was received and a local women’s gym just welcomed me with open arms. In addition to a very affordable $38 bi-weekly rate at a boarding house, there are physical therapy classes including one for a healthy heart. It takes place twice a week and is basically very nice.
The exercises are simple and over the course of 45 minutes they involve small weights, steps and ball movements such as throwing and catching. Sometimes there are also some square dance moves that help with balance. Stretching and flexing my muscles has now become a daily routine for me.
On other days, the gym offers all kinds of equipment for those who want to exercise. For me the bicycle is my favorite although many use the walking and rowing machines. Other equipment allows you to stretch your neck, back, and leg muscles, which I also find helpful.
Building muscles that have disappeared with years of inactivity is one of my achievements and being able to pick myself up off the ground when I fall is another. Since starting at this place, my balance has improved to the point where there have been no falls at home, whereas before I would trip and fall on anything in my path.
It is something that older people should consider. Don’t sit around and wait for death to catch up with you, have fun doing fitness training and show the world what you’re made of. The other benefit for me has been the great friends I’ve made while working out, a real plus.
