Don’t Do It! by Steph Beth Nickel

I don’t do push-ups. And today I remember why.

For some reason, I was compelled to do a few push-ups yesterday. I only did six with a very limited range of motion. And yet, today I feel as if I pulled my neck muscles and those across my shoulders.

I don’t mind being achy the day after a workout, but feeling as if I’ve done real damage is another thing altogether.

The upside: it gave me the topic of this month’s post.

So, what precautions will I remember to take before exercising next time?

Admit my limitations.

I can’t just jump back into exercising and think I can pick up where I left off—or where I was a number of years ago. I must ease back into it.

Admit your limitations and start from where you are. (tweet this)

Make exercise a priority.

I’ve allowed exercise to slip down my priority list. I’ve found a routine I love, several routines actually. I simply must schedule them into my day—and stick with the schedule.

Crawl. Then walk. Then run.

In my case, this is figurative, but you get the idea. Being asthmatic, somewhat out of shape, and nearly 60 (in three years at least) means running will never likely be on the agenda.

If I begin with low-intensity exercises, 15 minutes a day, five days a week, I will regain strength and perseverance and will be able to work my way back up to at least 30 minutes at medium intensity before too long. And when it comes to resistance training, I’ll begin with light weights and increase from there.

And then there’s all the walking Dave and I will be doing in the Maritimes in July when we’re tenting for the best parts of 2-2.5 weeks.

Include cardio.

In preparation for our trip to Jasper last summer, my hubby and I did a fair amount of walking. Like other forms of exercise, I have let this lapse. I could come up with several excuses, but it really goes back to making it a priority—and not only when we’re on vacation.

Thankfully, those exercise routines I mentioned earlier are somewhat freeform dance routines, suitable for “dancers” of every age and skill level. It’s time to make the most of my investment—and have some fun while doing so.

Being asthmatic means I get winded easily, especially if walking uphill or running. I can, however, increase my lung capacity if I keep at it.

And one last thing …

Don’t do push-ups! (Well, I can do wall push-ups without damaging myself. So, I’ll stick to those.)

Before changing your activity level, exercise routine, and/or eating habits, consult your health care professional. What is safe and beneficial for one person can be harmful for another. Note that you implement the information in this post at your own risk.

Steph Beth Nickel is an author, a freelance editor and writer, a labour doula, and a former personal trainer.