ChrisComedy's Journal, 12 July 2014

I added a stretching routine in bed first thing in the morning to the exercise mix because I keep feeling tension in my back when I stand at my desk. I haven't timed it but I estimate it takes about 15 minutes. I definitely felt some tension in my neck so this is one area I'm going to target with the"Age Defying Fitness" program, possibly in the posture section. Years ago, I used to do a stretching program regularly but I fell out of the habit. Wish I hadn't. The great thing about stretching is that it's something you can do every day like cardio but unlike strength training.

I like the fact that a lot of the exercises in "Age Defying Fitness," such as posture and neck and trunk, can be done daily. I decided to order "Stretching for 50+: A Customized Program for Increasing Flexibility, Avoiding Injury, and Enjoying an Active Lifestyle" by Karl Knopf. Thinking about getting a yoga strap so I can get more flex with the hamstring stretch. The Theraband may have too much give to be useful.

There are a lot of baseline measurements with "Age Defying" - and when I say a lot, I mean a lot, since the program covers five areas: strength, flexibility, posture, endurance, and balance. I didn't want to lose any momentum so I decided to jump into the exercises and start measuring different areas as I go along.

I dipped into the "Age Defying Fitness" book. One tip I didn't know: they recommend a Tempurpedic-style memory foam pillow if you sleep on your back - helps your neck - and a regular pillow under your knees. Amazon sells Tempurpedic knock-offs for $20.

I did an hour of riding the stationary cycle with the ankle weights Thursday. More squeaking. They slipped down and started aggravating my bunion. I've been thinking about upgrading my stationary cycle: the problem was deciding which one.

I'm now leaning towards changing things up and getting a rowing machine, which is in the lower price range for a stationary bike. My TV is on a low-enough table so that I could row and watch. It's a low impact workout that shouldn't aggravate my plantar fasciitis and bunion. My father did a lot of rowing - on the water - and lived to 95! I've spent $50 on the stepper and $26 on the cycle so I haven't exactly blown it out on exercise machines. I've spent far more on computers, cameras, and a lot more frivolous things over the years. I know it's an investment in health. I guess my fear is that I won't use it. Wish I had a dollar for every exercise machine I saw on people's back porches or in garages while going door-to-door for political campaigns. I have used the stationary cycle for four months.

I haven't been weighing myself daily, partly because of the alternate-day diet book says there are too many fluctuations due to water weight. Sooner or later, I'm going to hope on that scale and see if I'm making progress. Had a caffeine headache because I didn't boil any tea because it was so hot. It's not the tea I fear - it's the cream and sugar! Back to eating a handful of nuts every day. Twenty minutes of gentle core exercises followed by 15 minutes of stretching, 30 minutes of posture exercises, and a 30 minute session of flexibility exercises Friday. Saturday it's back to weight training.