EXERCISING BEFORE AND AFTER THE PANDEMIC

 

I am eighty-plus years old, and in pretty good shape for that age.   During this pandemic it has been, and still is, important that my younger wife and I exercise and stay fit.    If not, this will be a time of physical decline that we may not be able to make up.

I don't advertise for anybody, but when I buy a product and feel it is valuable I don't mind posting about it. 

A couple of weeks ago I bought this GOPRO treadmill.  We already have a bike and a Total Gym, but neither give you the same over all workout, and balance that you get from walking.   Few people have room for a big treadmill in their home, so small size and foldability was the chief factors in purchasing this treadmill.  

I am somewhat disappointed with this machine, but it is what was advertised.  I am six foot and 190 pounds, and this machine is too small for me to use comfortably, but I can and will use it.  This would be a great machine for a smaller person - say under five feet five.   The track is pretty narrow for my size fourteen feet and fairly short for a good stride.   But, as I said, it is a convenient size for our room and it folds compactly.   It will give us an adequate workout during the winter months and during the time of pandemic.  

The treadmill cost under four hundred dollars, was delivered promptly and comes with a good warranty.   We try to buy anything of this nature on-lint through Walmart, because if we don't like the quality we can return it locally without dealing with return shipping. 

 

We also have an Exerputic stationary bike, and it is excellent.  It cost under two-hundred dollars.  We have had it for eight years and it is sturdy and gives a good workout.  Probably not what the young and athletic would like, but great machine for legs and stamina; well suited for less active people.  

I have the Total Gym 1400.  I have had it for about ten years and can't say enough about the workout I am able to get each day.   I do three sets of ten exercises.  It takes me about fifteen minutes.  My arms, shoulders, chest and stomach feel solid.  Without the Total Gym routine it would all go to flab.   The Total Gym 1400 cost about four hundred dollars, but I don't use all the extra bars and handles and footrest - so the Total Gym APEX G1 at about three hundred dollars would work just as well.   

The old saying 'If you don't use it, you lose it.' is so true.  Exercise is as important as diet in aging healthily.  Fifteen minutes a day is not much to stay heart healthy and physically fit.  If you can't go to a gym, if you don't have an active life style, you might consider one of these machines to help you maintain stamina, strength and health. 

the Ol'Buzzard

A PEP TALK FROM THE OL'BUZZARD

As you grow older, staying fit is the most important part of remaining healthy.    What we eat and how much exercise we get and how we handle stress are the major defenses against aging and sickness. 

I have been a sometimes Buddhist for a number of years, and need to get back to meditation.   We try to eat local produce as much as possible and stay away from processed foods – though I do love bacon…   My wife and I have a subscription to the college gym, but due to weather, and the focus it takes to get up and get dress and travel into town, we don’t utilize it like we should. 

This is the solution we have found.   I have dumbbells and try to discipline myself to five minutes of weight exercises every other day.  I keep a ten-pound barbell beside my computer chair and when I think of it do a few curls.   Three days a week, when the weather permit, I walk the road for at least a mile.  Two years ago we purchased an exercise bicycle on e-bay for just over one hundred dollars and my wife uses it every day.  

I had constantly seen advertisements about the Total Gym on the commercial- let-me-sell-you-something channels on Direct TV.    About two months ago, out of ‘I can’t find anything to watch’ desperation I sat through the commercial.   Later, I went on line and watched the clips on YouTube.   They have weight machines at the gym and I like using them, but as I mentioned our attendance is sporadic.    So two months ago I ordered on line the Total Gum 1400 through Target for $224.  

I love this machine.  I totally feel the difference in tone and strength.     It is a little hassle to put up and take down every other day, but by going through different sets of exercises without a break in-between I not only strengthen muscles, but also get a good cardio workout in about twenty minutes. 

Life is not a guarantee and chaos theory can throw you an injury, sickness or death chit in an otherwise healthy life.  But, if you want to improve the quality of your life and possibly your life expectancy, focusing on the big three: meditation, food and exercise, to the extent you are capable, can improve your quality of life.   

I hate to quote Trump: but what have you got to lose?

the Ol'Buzzard