Here we are in Auckland, New Zealand - it's been a tough cold, wet and miserable winter this year. Summer's coming though - time to wear less layers, brighter colors and perhaps the latest gears. A sobering thought for me: I have to lose some of the weight I put on during the winter months - most of it shows around the middle: I think it's dubbed the "muffin" look. I've been fighting the battle of the bulge most of my life - up, down, up, down though I've managed to stay within the 12-16 size range. Not bad for a Pacific girl in the "third age" but I do envy those with slimmer figures. Not to mention the fact of keeping healthy as I age by "walking the talk and not talking the walk".
Whilst we shouldn't let society dictate how thin we need to be I must say that when I'm between sizes 12 and 14 I do feel better, I'm much lighter on my feet, I don't have to buy lots of new clothes and my self esteem goes up! For years my family have been used to seeing me walking around the block 3-4 days a week. It's pretty hilly where we live so you get a good workout plus the native bush and the birds singing make it very conducive to the "feel good" aspect of a healthier lifestyle. The other 1-2 days of the week I would play CDs with some upbeat music and "boogy". I come from the islands so I have natural rhythm and I'm able to do the hula/"drum dance" to Pacific drum beats - all guaranteed to keep my figure trim. Winter time when it was wet and cold outdoors I would do more exercises to music and less walking.
As an aside, I also pick up fallen tree branches and twigs during my walks - kindling for next year! This too has proved to be a useful tool in my strategy to lose a few kilos as some of the branches have been quite heavy. I've even got one of my neighbors to help out at times.
I had a nasty viral flu for three weeks in October so this last couple of weeks I've concentrated on getting back to my walking and today I felt the tug of the Pacific drums so I'm going hard out to remedy the extra weight situation.
Fortunately my blood pressure has always been very good - must be my genes but I do believe that because I've always enjoyed exercising, it's paid off over the years. The older I get, the more I want to keep my body moving so I don't end up a burden on my family. These kinds of exercises are a cheaper alternative to going to the gym but I must say that having company does make it more interesting and fun.
What about you? Are there any particular exercises you do that's good for our bodies? Feel free to share your experiences with others so we can all benefit from them.
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