FITNESS
Exercise on the Cheap
Sheila Bean Article and Photos
At the top of a hill in my neighbourhood, I often see a group of people gathering with dumbbells and yoga mats.
They run down and up the stairs and exercise together in the sunshine. A low-cost gym. Depending on the season, I also see neighbours jogging, skating, or sledding. In front yards, they rake leaves or shovel snow. All are moving their bodies without spending money on fancy equipment or gym fees.
Exercise can be everything from mountain climbing to balancing on one foot while brushing your teeth.
Your goal might be to lift your grandchild or reduce your risk of falling. Maybe you want to ski moguls or complete a triathlon. Weight control, blood sugar, sleep, digestion, mood, fun, social connections— all reasons are valid.
It’ s as easy as stepping into your sneakers and walking around the block. You choose the start time and distance. You might spice up your walk by exploring new neighbourhoods, taking photos, counting motorcycles, experimenting with trekking poles, or identifying birds with the Merlin cellphone app. You could listen to an audiobook mystery while you stroll. You could walk the equivalent distance of, say, the Great Wall of China and track it online( one free platform is World Walking). Or use your treadmill while watching a virtual walk around Edinburgh( try the YouTube channel City Walks).
Speaking of the treadmill, a home gym needn’ t be huge or expensive. My husband makes good use of a stationary bike that he bought for forty bucks at a garage sale. Throw in a couple of resistance bands( great for travel) and a stability ball, and there’ s his gym. He tracks his exercises on a piece of paper, and he treats himself by listening to engaging podcasts while he works out.
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