01-30-22, 05:25 PM | ||
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Quote:
Erica |
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01-30-22, 05:32 PM | |
Join Date: Jun 2004
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I admit, I did not read the article, as I make an effort not to read articles on such topics. I will only speak from my own experience.
I have always had body image issues and struggled to keep my weight in a healthy range as a child. At age 18, I started exercising, first with one of those piston-type stair climbers I bought at Caldor. (Anyone else remember Caldor? I loved that store & miss it to this day!) Once I burned that out, I joined a local gym that offered memberships for a mere $50/year, Eventually I started taking fitness classes, and moved on to become an AFAA certified fitness instructor. I began teaching at several gyms, at some points 3-4 facilities teaching 3 classes per day. I also started lifting heavy weights, what most would consider body building. After college, my work schedule made it difficult to teach classes, but I became a home exerciser and intensity junkie…which led me to VF! I started using mostly Cathe & other advanced cardio & strength workouts. Fast forward over 20 years. I am 49. I have reoccurring knee, back, foot and shoulder issues. I can no longer do Cathe or any high impact. I can’t run. Every time I try a strength routine with more than 5-10 lbs I pull muscles severely. My whole body has morphed, I no longer fit in my clothes and when I look in the mirror, I don't recognize myself anymore, and frequently feel discouraged and embarrassed at what I have become. Then I remind myself…I am blessed to be able to move. I can no longer lift, run or jump like I used to, but the fact that I can walk, dress, feed and take care of myself is a gift, and I am grateful for that. The gray hair, wrinkles, decrease in physical performace and additional cellulite are trivial in in the grand scheme of things. I’m doing okay! |
01-30-22, 05:53 PM | ||
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Quote:
Your first paragraph is what I'm experiencing now and your second one is what I strive for. I'm glad you can remind yourself of the things that really matter in life. Thank you for posting. Erica |
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01-30-22, 07:58 PM | ||
VF Supporter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Raleigh, NC
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Quote:
For those who have come back to a healthier way of living, what little steps have you taken that have been first steps to getting back to where you want to be?
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Laura Laura's Workout Mantras: Something is better than nothing The best workout is the one you will DO |
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01-31-22, 10:31 AM | |
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Maryland, USA
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adrien - I can relate to what you are saying - I don't think I look bad (I'm not ripped or super fit looking but about average!), but I wish I could do what I used to do - I loved running and some of the more advanced video workouts back in the day - but I just can't do it now. I have too many aches and pains and it isn't worth it to push through it - especially since at some point working through it isn't an option as my body will just quit. So, I'm doing gentler stuff and trying to keep up as best as I can. I sometimes wonder if I didn't bring this on myself by not exercising "smarter" when I was younger - but I guess who does? Most young people feel invincible and I was certainly no exception. And, also there have been a lot of advancements in knowledge about fitness and working out in general that weren't around when I started my fitness journey - which was pretty much in Jr High/High School w/ running.....in the 80's....
Lauran - I'm glad it is helping and that you are able to get started again. I think what you are doing - short walks and little bursts of strength training is a great way to get started again. Donna |
01-31-22, 10:36 AM | |
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Florida
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I have been thinking about this thread and aging a lot lately. Yesterday, when I went to put some food in our local outdoor food pantry, it especially hit home. Whilst I fret about a little sagging and extra weight, others are worried that they might not have anything to eat. What are my priorities? I can spend time being upset about things I cannot change, or I can do things to improve the lives of others.
I’m learning to be content with my imperfect looks, life and the world as it is. I have a choice to make each day on how I will react to life. I’ve started taking some time to analyze my thoughts. How often am I thinking about negative things that I have no control over? Does it help me emotionally to think upon these things? Instead, I can spend that time being grateful for having a husband and family that love me. I have a home, an abundance of food and good health. I also have this wonderful forum. There’s many that don’t have these blessings. Doing things for others and thinking less about oneself helps with aging gracefully. Plant a butterfly garden, volunteer at a hospital or animal shelter. One might not be “invisible” to those that need and cherish their help.
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Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. Henry David Thoreau |
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aesthetics, aging, beauty, body image, celebrities |
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