Exercise Equipment…Some Things Old Are New Again!

Exercise Equipment…Some Things Old Are New Again!

Exercise gear www.mytributejournal.com

In trying to be true to my ongoing goal to try new ways to exercise and stay fit, I decided to try out a weight-lifting class the other day after work!  (Yeah, I’m sure you can imagine the motivational pep talk I had to give myself all the way to the gym!)  I felt tired before class, so it goes without saying that I was exhausted and sweaty after it was over!  As I walked by the big exercise equipment room on my way to grab my coat from a hall locker, I did a double-take when I saw a piece of exercise gear on a metal shelf that I hadn’t ever seen there before–memories of my youth literally flooded my mind and I couldn’t resist getting a closer look…

Ab roller www.mytributejournal.comAlthough the updated version of the “waist wheel” or “abdominal roller” as it’s referred to now, is perhaps a safer, more ergonomically balanced version, the use and fitness benefit it provides is still the same…you kneel down, grip the handles, then roll out the length of your torso and back again!  My parents bought one of the original waist wheels, and to this very day I think it is one of the best abdominal strengthening exercises there is–your arms will get a work-out too!  After spying the wheel at the gym, I couldn’t help but go take if for a quick test ride–my stomach muscles are still sore!        

This past November when my husband and I visited New York City to see our daughter run in the NYC marathon, leaning up against the wall of the exercise room in our hotel was a mini exercise trampoline–I had to chuckle to myself, it was exactly like the one my parents had exercised on most mornings when I was growing up!

Mini exercise trampoline. www.mytributejournal.com

I’ll admit, I felt a little giddy when I placed the exercise trampoline on the floor and jumped on it for awhile–it really is such a fun way to get in some good cardio exercise!  I remember how my parent’s mini trampoline also entertained all their grandchildren when they came to visit…many ingenious, make-believe games were played on it and a lot of energy was expended, as well!  (Hmm, I’ll have to think seriously about getting one for my playroom!)

Mini exercise trampolin www.mytributejournal.com

The more recent styles of mini exercise trampolines come with a few added “bells and whistles” so to speak.  I’ve even read that a popular trend lately is these big trampoline exercise gyms!  Regardless of style, the incentive element behind any of these exercise trampolines is the simple joy of jumping while putting less stress on joints!  Just what I need!

A new year for many of us usually means renewed goals to exercise more, so we dust off our exercise DVD’s that have been collecting dust on the shelf beneath our TV’s since last summer.  Although much more prevalent today, exercise gurus have been a fitness mainstay for many years.  I can remember my mom doing the enthusiastic work-outs of Jack LaLanne when I was young.  Many from my generation joined Jazzercise classes, boasting color coordinated headbands and leg warmers!  P90X and Insanity are often the choice of fitness enthusiasts today.

Exercise programs. www.mytributejournal.com

Despite the level of intensity of the various workouts available today, the message shared is the same as that from years past–to live healthy, active lifestyles.  The real dilemma lies in figuring out what works the best to help us stay motivated to exercise!

Power juicer www.mytributejournal.com

Would it surprise you to learn that Jack LaLanne was also an advocate of power juicing?  I’m sure he’s smiling down on all those who are embracing the latest resurgence of this healthy practice!  Also interesting to note, is that many of our workout pants today, minus the stirrups, seem to resemble the stretch comfort of the ones Jack LaLanne used to wear!

New, modern exercise equipment today is so streamlined and often comes with computerized work-out programs built right in, however, sometimes I miss the simplicity and easy use of some of the old school exercise equipment!

Exercise bikes www.mytributejournal.com

I absolutely love the Vision Fitness exercise bicycle that my husband and I bought a few years ago, but the original Schwinn model that my parents owned for many years had the most comfortable leather seat–there’s also a lot to be said for being able change the resistance level just by tightening or loosening a knob!  

Finally, I can’t end without mentioning exercise footwear!  I mean honestly, need I say more than fuchsia, tangerine or neon yellow!

Salomon trail running shoes www.mytributejournal.com

The only choice there used to be for exercise shoes was either a basic Reebok or Nike shoe in white or black!  Now shoes come in an endless array of colors and there seems to be a shoe made for every sport imaginable!  For my husband, who usually dresses quite conservatively, the brighter the better when it comes to his athletic shoes–in fact, he recently purchased a pair of tangerine Salomon trail running shoes!

New Balance running shoes www.mytributejournal.com

Ironically, my son and two sons-in-law all own a pair of these basic gray New Balance running shoes!  My daughters refer to them as old “grandpa shoes”!  Ha!

What I’m learning now is…

While growing up, I remember my parents as always being health conscious and having a regular exercise regimen.  What I’m learning now is that as I get older, what my parents told me long ago is so true–it’s nice to exercise to LOOK good, but it’s especially important to exercise to FEEL good too!

So, no matter the exercise equipment we choose to use…

"Here's to Looking Good!" www.mytributejournal.com

…and feeling

Fabulous

Is there a certain piece of exercise equipment you wish would make a come back?  I’d love to hear what you do to help you stay motivated to exercise and work-out.

–Mary

Think Pink…And Hunter Orange!

Think Pink…It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

I think that one of the most important things I do as a nurse on a woman’s care unit, whether someone has just had a baby or is recovering from a gynecological surgery, is getting patients ready to leave the hospital feeling empowered and more capable about taking an active role in their health and well-being!  Despite the endless healthcare debates that have been dominating the media, we should all understand that there are a lot of things we can do right now to maintain a healthy lifestyle that are separate from the complicated issues and talking points being discussed.

One of the best things any healthcare worker can do for anyone seeking more information about how they can better take care of themselves, is to put things in simple, easy to understand terms that will feel attainable for them in respect to their everyday lives.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and since I usually have a fairly captive audience when teaching patients before they get ready to be discharged after their hospital stay, I’ve outlined a few things that I tell them about breast cancer awareness.

Think Pink!!

Think Pink! Breast Cancer Symbol www.mytributejournal.com

Perhaps my affinity for remembering important facts by virtue of an acronym was first established when my mom used to have me make birthday cards for family members when I was growing up.  I also studied for many nursing school exams using this approach.  I took the liberty to use this technique in creating this “Think Pink” message that I hope will impress upon every woman’s memory what their individual responsibility is in terms of how they can safeguard their health as it pertains to breast cancer awareness!

Think Pink..an acronym for breast care awareness! www.mytributejournal.com

  • A self breast exam needs to be a priority on our monthly “To Do” list!  It is recommended that the exam be done approximately 5-7 days after a menstrual cycle.  Post menopausal women, or ones who have had a hysterectomy, will find that doing the exam at the same time each month increases the likelihood that they will be done regularly.  Most doctors recommend that breast-feeding women also perform a routine exam, ideally just after the baby has been fed.  The new machines at most medical facilities also make having a mammogram with breast implants less painful.  Many hospitals will provide some payment assistance when a scan is done on those without insurance coverage, and may even offer to do them free of charge.
  • Breast cancer prevention surgery for women with a family history of breast cancer has been highly publicized lately.  However, doctors have advised for many years that those who fall into this category be extra vigilant in taking the necessary steps to insure healthy outcomes!  My paternal grandmother fell victim to breast cancer, so my daughters and I are at increased risk.
  • The recommended age for yearly mammograms was recently changed from age 50 to 40 years old, since the occurence of breast cancer has been on the rise in younger women.  By doing self breast exams, along with having regular check-ups, more educated decisions can be made if subsequent care is needed.
  • I believe that being aware of what’s “normal” for our own body is the best guide to help each of us know when something is not as it should be, so we can then seek further medical attention as required.

Think Pink…And Hunter Orange! 

If nothing else sways your determination to keep pace with good health options, maybe look around at your family, or keep a photo close at hand that you look at everyday to help remind you that it is worth every effort it takes to invest in a happy, healthy life!

Deer hunting! www.mytributejournal.com

In honor of breast cancer awareness month and the first official day of the deer hunting season, I’d like to take the opportunity to tell my family how much I love them and that I am trying my best to be a good example of healthy living.  I also had my last mammogram this past August and got a clean bill of health!  (Although this picture was taken approximately ten years ago, the streaks you see are not due to the aging process–it’s because my family was hunting in a snow storm!  I know, craziness!  I think I went shopping with friends that day!)

If you have an inspiring story concerning breast care awareness or breast cancer, I’d love it if you’d share it.  Sometimes another person’s story is what helps us set better health standards in our own lives!

–Mary

Young, Old…Just Words!

Triathlon! www.mytributejournal.com

Much like my father, who was always very young looking for his age, my husband defies his age and pushes himself to prove that age truly is just a number!

Triathlon! www.mytributejournal.com

Triathlon www.mytributejournal.com

“Oh, the joys of wild living!”   Robert Browning

My family has lived up to our last name of Wilding, by doing some wild and crazy things sometimes!  They run and compete and do their best to live very active and eventful lives!  We are looking forward to being able to see our daughter, Mandi, fulfill her dream of running in the NYC marathon this coming November!

I am not competitive in the same ways that my family is, but there are many options available to define how we can stay young at heart–no matter our age!

"Young at Heart! www.mytributejournal.com

This weekend we give a great big shout out to our son-in-law, Shane, who will compete in the “LOTOJA” –a 200+ mile bike race that goes from Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming!

LOTOJA! www.mytibutrjournal.com

My husband and I get the chance to keep our hearts really young by being able to tend our cute granddaughters while our daughter, Malia, acts as Shane’s support crew on his bike race!  The “Sleepover” edition of our “Cinderella Days” will be coming up!

What I’m learning now is…

My father always seemed to enjoy good health!  Even after being diagnosed with leukemia at 88 years young, he suffered very few symptoms of the disease.

“The enjoyment of life at any age is diminished by poor health.  My life has proved the wisdom of using good judgment and moderation in this area of life!”

from the history of Leroy Jorgensen

What I’m learning now is that everyone defines “living life to the fullest” and “staying young at heart” in various, assorted ways!  Obviously, being a nurse, I feel strongly that it’s important to follow the rules of good health!  When we take control of our lifestyles and live healthy, it’s more likely that we’ll live a full and active life…LONGER!

Triathlon scene! www.mytributejournal.com

How do you keep “young at heart” as you get older?

–Mary