I spent too many years feeling that I was just not able to exercise for countless good RA reasons. Then a physio talked me into doing just one exercise. " Lying (my choice) or standing, imagine that someone has a knife pointed at your naval and pull in your stomach muscles and hold them in. When that gets too easy pull those muscles in and also try to move your naval up towards your neck"
It was very easy and so I did it for maybe 2 months for 5 minutes in the morning and in the evening. Then I had to see a different rheumatologist one day and when she was checking that my abdominal area she told me I had GOOD ABS. Imagine - 20 years of no exercise and under 2 months of doing something easy moves me up to having good abs. What a motivation that was!
It shows the amazing impact that an offhand positive comment can have. Encouragement is such a key factor in the management of your health life.
Since that comment I have made exercise a larger part of my life.
This is a good idea and I'm stealing it. I've been told by physical therapists and exercise people about "stabilizing my core" but what it really means is sucking in your gut. It helps with lower back issues, posture, and just makes you look less slouchy. I want good abs too!
ReplyDeleteAlways good to "see" you Teresa. I read recently that the way to live long is to have a chronic disease and take VERY good care of it. That's encouraging
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