My back was quite cranky all day yesterday thanks to a slippery deck prior to snowshoeing Wednesday night. I didn't fall, but my foot slipped and I caught myself, instinctively tensing up those lower back muscles. I gave myself a pass on yoga, but I wanted to do something for exercise since I've been doing well all week. I hate to break the streak! The treadmill in the corner of the family room caught my eye. I bought it used last summer and haven't properly broken it in yet. As an osteoarthritis sufferer, regular running is a big no-no. It's notorious for causing joint wear-and-tear, and the osteoarthritis tends to form in damaged joints. I bought the treadmill thinking I could use it to walk briskly on an incline when I didn't want to go outside. Then I read an article on effective cardio/ rear-end muscle toning exercises. It suggested that rather than turning the treadmill on, you simply move the belt yourself. Hmm. I didn't even realize that a person could do that, let alone use it as a workout. Well it actually does work, and quite well. It is a HARD workout that requires leaning forward, grabbing the handles and puuuushing down as hard as you can as you stride. Once you get it going it's a little easier, but I still felt my calves burning after only a couple minutes. Ten minutes was my limit- my leg muscles were done and I was panting (okay- I started panting after the first 30 seconds). Short but effective! And my back is feeling much better today.
I slept terribly last night and I can just feel that cold virus lurking, ready to pounce when it senses weakness. My honey-cinnamon tea helped a little, but I am fatigued. Hopefully the afternoon isn't too rough. The only "obligation" I have this evening is to make banana bread as per my boyfriend's request. I'm thinking that despite it being Friday, it will be an early night. TGIF everyone!!
Just for fun- here's a picture of my little monkey using the treadmill (in the traditional way.) Jazz hands!
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