Do you know what Sandy - starting at 6 minutes is really good!
About 6 years ago - yes, yes, it would be very different now, but anyway here's the story ...
I went to the gym for the first time since ... was a teenager.
I started off doing 3 minutes each machine on the bike, treadmill, and rowing machine (probably 1 minute on rowing machine, to be honest).
I was in for the shortest time - there were 90 year old people doing more than me. I increased each machine by 1 minute when the minutes were truly comfortable (did not increase the resistance on the machines tho' - kept them easy). No point inducing a stroke.
Within 1 year that changed to 20 minutes on each machine, then a slow 1 hour on all the weight machines I could manage (again - with very little in the way of weight).
All came crashing down a few years back and have been in a bit of a state for a while. However ...
I am now starting to try to get fitter as slowly as I did then. I am trying to hijack my lack of fitness by sneakiness and stealth (to avoid flaring).
Last year I could not swim 1 length of the public pool without almost drowning. I think I did 4 lengths stopping after each length to get the water out of my lungs and lugs. I watched the little children being taught how to swim by the instructors, and copied shamelessly. Taught myself how to do a properish type of breast stroke.
I now swim for 30 mins 3 times a week, and can do 30 lengths. No - not without stopping - that would just be silly. I stop every 2-4 lengths until the blue tinge recedes and my eyes stop bulging. Cos that's just unattractive and the life guards might mistake me for a deflated beach toy and leave me to drown were I in trouble.
Tonight, when it had gone dark, and wearing a disguise (high collar, low hat) I cycled for the first time in 4 years. I RODE down all the down hills, FREE WHEELED the flat bits, then GOT OFF AND WALKED the uphills - same all the way home. Let me tell you - it's tough cycling the downhills!
Cycling the down hills involves not pedalling, but applying the brakes frequently and gingerly lest the bike wobble any more and you get hurled into a lamp post. I reckon this is a good finger work out, and your bum gets pretty well shaken about on those downhills too, so no need for those expensive botty wobbling machines you see advertised.
Was a doddle once I'd safely got my leg over without anybody seeing each time.
The hardest thing is getting started, but there isa point (I'm not there yet, but I know it will happen) when you actually get crabby if you can't do your regular bit of exercise. Going gently and not rushing itis important. No need to flare then end up in bed for weeks.
Walking is the best exercise cos you can nosey into everybody's garden and, if you get lucky, windows :lol: :lol:
Yes - sad to relate - I am one of those people and if you don't like it close your blinking curtains!
Wishing you both all the best!
Remeber - be gentle with yourselves. It was the tortoise that won the race.
