Since retirement, I have focused on getting more exercise. I post weekly updates here to hold myself accountable and see my progress.
Among the descriptions of what I did this week on the exercise front, you'll see some of what's blooming in my yard.
Japanese iris
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Line Dance: This was the second week of the beginner's line dance that started at the gym. We went over a couple of dances from last week and some new ones, including "Boots on the Ground". Apparently, this dance is everywhere, but I had never heard of it. It is done with a clap fan, which was also new to me. It was fun, but I still need a little work with my fan. The class was not too strenuous, but it gave me a decent aerobic workout.
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| Rhododendron |
Friday, May 9, 2025
Strong and Balanced: We had a no-nonsense sub today, and not one second of the 45-minute class was wasted. I got a good all-body workout, especially my shoulders.
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| Dianthus |
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Free Day: It rained all day, so I puttered around the house and did a little dance practice. Nothing too earth-shattering as far as exercise goes.
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| Portulaca |
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Free Day: The weather cleared, so my puttering included some yard work with some planting and weeding. Again, I didn't push myself physically.
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| Kolanchoe |
Monday, May 12, 2025
Strong and Balanced: We had the same sub as on Friday, and she gave us another good workout with bands and weights. The sub was a good instructor, but not as fun as the regular teachers.
Ballroom: We worked on a new routine for the Quickstep that confused everyone, including me. During the second half of the class, when we worked on the Samba, the instructor worked with me personally, but I didn't like the special attention. However, my heart rate was up, and I got a decent aerobic workout.
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| Yellow allium |
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Line Dance: I was recovering from a migraine, so I was a little slow in class today. However, the class continued to be light-hearted and fun. Dancing continuously for an hour here definitely gave me a good aerobic workout.
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| Coral bells |
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Free Day: We got in 30 minutes of ballroom practice while trying to figure out what we were taught on Monday. It was not too strenuous, but it did elevate my heart rate a bit.
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| Bearded iris |
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| Vinca |
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| Rhododendron |
Until next time...
Lovely flowers blooming in your garden. Sounds like you had an active week of movement, even with a headache on one day. Are you noticing any changes in what you are able to do and stamina?
ReplyDeleteI must be getting stronger with better stamina, but it's happening subtly. If I think back, I can go longer without getting as tired, and I was noticing my biceps may be a little bigger. However, the classes continue to be a challenge.
DeleteI figure if I read your exercise posts I will get motivated - eventually.
ReplyDeleteI have never been regular with exercise for extended periods of time, but I thought it was time to get with it now while I can still move. Good luck if you decide it's time for more movement. It's not easy, at least it hasn't been for me.
DeleteI love the idea of line dancing but I am not good with dance moves either. I am getting into a fitness routine and I am excited about it! Your garden looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteLine dancing can go from very simple to very complicated. I'm still in the very simple stage. One of the instructors calls the mess ups we make variations, not mistakes. In general, that's the attitude I find at the various line dancing venues we've tried. I also consider that trying to learn dance moves is good for my brain because it certainly taxes it at times.
DeleteWhat fitness routine are you trying?
So good to know u r focusing on whole body workout and plan it so well
ReplyDeleteI love how u r mixing up things
Wish to draw some inspiration from u!
My goal is to have two days that focus on strength training and three days of aerobic activity per week. Of course, there is overlap, but I am doing okay with meeting my goal. If I didn't have the dance classes, it would be a lot harder. Unlike my husband, I do not like to exercise.
DeleteYour flowers are so beautiful! And I absolutely LOVE that Boots on the Ground dance! It looks like so much fun! I took a line dancing class in college and I wish I could take one again!
ReplyDeleteMaybe if you continue to do well with you new medicine, you can take a line dance sometime. The fans are fun with Boots on the Ground, but I can only get mine to work half the time.
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