Getting Fit at 50


I'm working to get a bit more fit. I've never had a regular exercise routine. I have had a very busy life over the years... kids to keep up with, barn chores, animals to take care of, gardens to grow and harvest.

One of the things I noticed as my life has started changing is that I'm not as busy as I once was and did not like the changes I saw in my own body. I decided it was time to spend a little more effort on my health.


I've started my health quest by just simply walking. I've been walking about 2 miles a day. At first it was challenging. I will say that I live in an area that is pretty much all on a hill. I live in a Gorge.. this is mountains on both sides and a river that runs between it. So when I set out on my walk it is mostly downhill. I walk a mile and turn around and walk the mile back.. mostly all uphill. And my muscles feel it!! But it has been a good thing, given me more energy and motivation.

I took a few pics today on my walk (and yes, unlike most of the USA we are having an unseasonably warm winter).  I know the pics don't show the incline as much as it is..  but trust me my body feels it!!!  Ha, ha!! ...

This is a downhill view...

Heading back up to my house..



So at 50 (almost 51 :) I'm making the choice to work a little harder, day by day to get and keep fit.

Do you have a regular exercise routine? Do you know you need to exercise but have problems with motivation? Are you reaching or in midlife and desire to get more fit? I'd love to hear from you and find out where you are at with exercise in your life.


 



Comments

  1. What a beautiful area to walk in! Nature is so entertaining, don't you think? I don't have a workout routine so to speak but when the weather is nicer I walk longer with my dog. :)
    Hope you have a lovely weekend Crystal!

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    1. I love walking out in nature! Always enjoyable things to see.... Hope your weekend is great too!! Crystal :)

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  2. I'm trying to do the same at 55 Crystal, and walking is the best exercise for me as well. This year I set a goal of 20 pounds and 2 inches by the first of April and was well on my way until we got loaded up on ice covered by packed snow around here. I try to do my walking in the big barn to keep me going on my routine ;) Good luck to you (and me!) in our quest to be healthier!

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    1. Good for you Cary!! And yes.. good luck to us both! Have you ever heard of the Leslie Sansone Walk at Home videos? I use them when I can't walk outside due to weather.. http://www.walkathome.com/ Lots of options so they don't get too boring! :) .. Hoping you can meet your goals.. Crystal

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  3. Keeping fit is so much harder in winter. We haven't had hardly any snow here in SW Missouri, but a lot of colder, windier weather. I DON'T LIKE the combination of those two! When the weather is in the 40's, I generally take the two dogs - one older Pit Bull and one HYPER Rat Terrier for an hour walk through the fields of our 80 acre farm. Lots of up and down hills and armadillo holes to watch out for. We also do some playing fetch with a tennis ball - which has me running around as much as the dogs. Then there is also laundry, dishes, floor scrubbing, vacuuming, etc., etc., etc.!!!! I have to be IN THE MOOD - to do regular exercise - although there are times when I do enjoy it. I'll be 67 this year. My grandmother was 102 when she died and was active until she reached 100! Then she started to slow down!

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    1. Wow!! On your grandma! That is amazing! So many good things about being fit as we age. I do understand the need to be "in the mood" .. some days I just tell myself that my main goal every day is to just MOVE everyday.. doing something.. :) Crystal

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  4. Wow, those pictures make me think of the gorge in Oregon. If that's where you're at, you're so lucky! I love it in Oregon!

    My stifle is that I know I need to exercise, I just lack the motivation, and while I've planned to start exercising more regularly for the lady month and a half, I havent actually done it once. What a drag! :)

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    1. Laura... it is the Columbia River Gorge.. I live on the Washington side.. and it is beautiful!! Very wet! LOL.. but pretty..

      I totally understand the motivation issue.. I just have made a point of moving.. I started that way... just move every day.. which then grew to walking.. and walking farther... now to just keep at it!! I find when I do, I have more energy and feel more motivation. I think it feeds on itself.. you know? :) Crystal

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  5. Hello! I found your blog ages ago but think this may be my first comment. Good for you to start your exercise program!

    Three years ago, I started swimming laps at the local community indoor pool. I was 55 at the time. I talked a good friend into taking an adult swim-conditioning class with me. I still remember the first class when the young, buff, 19-yo male instructor asked us to swim four lengths in a row. At the end of the first length, the two of us were hanging onto the wall trying to breath. He came up to tell us again what the exercise was. I smiled up at him and basically said "yes, we know, we just need to catch our breath for a moment". I still laugh about our beginning.

    Three years later, we are still swimming and now routinely swim a mile (65 lengths) in about 45 minutes. With fins on. The fins are the best and make it so much fun. Some workouts I do think 'this was so much easier at 12".
    For me, the best thing was asking a friend to join in. In the three years, we have taken some breaks due to health issues flaring up or life just getting in the way. Then we get back to it and 'just keep swimming...'
    Cheering you on, SJ in Vancouver BC

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    1. SJ... THANK YOU!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is sooo encouraging and inspirational!!!! My goal is to .. just keep moving!!! :D .. And you've certainly encouraged me to keep on keeping on... Have a blessed day.. and thank you again for the comment! Crystal :)

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  6. I don't like to leave the house to exercise except in the summer. I think it's fun to just walk or run on the spot in my bedroom. I carry hand weights and lift them all kinds of different way while I walk and run. I lift my arms and hold the weights out to my sides or do curls or hold them over my head and drop them back to work underarm muscles. Then I'll do some squats and some side to side running to strengthen my knees and ankles. I listen to sermons or pray or watch a video while I do it. You can also do isometric exercise like tightening your abs or leg muscles or arms while you are just sitting around...or even in church!

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  7. My exercise routine is not that great. But if I had a beautiful view like this, I would walk everyday. That is beautiful. You are truly blessed.

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