Stronger Seniors Team Goals

Hi everyone , I fell on ice last week and I hurt my back and wrist. Doctors say it will be weeks more of pain and soreness. I have been walking everyday because I do not want to get stiff. I am not sure how much calories I get burned but at least I am still moving.

Hi All, I've been awol for just at one year. Wow, I know moving is on the top of the list of things that create stress in our lives. During my absence, after moving to the mountains and then having my left knee pop out of the socket, and needing a cane to walk, I then had surgery to repair an Inguinal Hernia and it taking me almost 3 times as long to heal as I had expected. Then we sold our home and have now moved again back to town.

And, I got a staff infection and that made my blood sugars get scary high and I now am taking Insulin. I am struggling to get back on track with my exercise program. Anne, THANKS so much for your comments here. I need to remember; "Use it or Lose it".

I don't want to sound like a poor me or pity me party. I think I just need to get this out and then get on with getting things done.

Wiser, a big thanks to you too for sharing. You helped me remember that everyone has challenges we must face in our life. I'm very sorry for your loss. I need to exercise every day, the only way I will ever lose this weight. I'll be thinking about you as I hit the pavement hoping you are successful.
With lots of love and hope, Paula

Hello again. I'm happy to be back with this group. I have been trying to recover from the sudden death of my son--this year has not started out well. This group is just what I need to start taking care of me. Current needs are to sleep eight hours a night and exercise every day to heal myself and to have adequate energy to attend to daily activities.

I am an escort/courier at a nearby hospital Friday afternoons and love it. I am with a wonderful group of people whose ages go from a 16-year-old high school student to a 91-year-old retired gentleman. We are valued by the staff. My pedometer racks up well over my 10,000-step goal. So, you see, this is a win/win situation and I am grateful to be part of this program.

Here's to an enjoyable and successful week ahead. Love, Wiser

Thank you for your words of encouragement for everyone.
I have been a 'couch potato' for quite a time and although only about 10 lbs overweight I am not as fit as I should be. I tend to hibernate in winter so as the weather gets better I am determined to get out and walk. This will be quite a challenge for me as I have a knee that needs surgery and is painful, however when I read of some of the difficulties other members have I am full of admiration and feel I need to get up and just make the extra effort!

Congratulations to all the walkers! I have spoken with so many folks lately that 'have trouble getting around'. As a result, they do not go out for walks.

Regular walking plus stretching and strength training will help prevent you from 'having trouble getting around'. If you have a chronic illness or other disability this can be difficult or impossible.

The point is, if you do not do what you can now, you may someday find that you can't.

Keep up the great work. Keep moving, keep walking.

Stay strong,
Anne

10 minute walk for me today. Not much, but big for me!

Even though this has been an overcast day, I enjoyed the fresh air I got on my 3 mile walk.
Fay

Another Monday is but a few hours away. Is a successful week in your (my) plans? Let's do it!!

I hope you are doing better soon. I had the epidural 2 weeks ago and cannot believe the change. I can walk with almost no pain and have been able to do several other things I thought were lost to me. It is a wonderful second chance.

I had my 70th birthday in June this year and it seems that everything has deteriorated since then.
I *did* know that as I became older I had to really concentrate on my fitness but a very small setback turned into a really serious problem for the last 5 months which is now beginning to ease up - whether I will need the back op the surgeon recommends or not will depend on how I am when I am called for the op!
All of us here seem to have problems and some are very serious so its wonderful to have all the support that others give.

Thank you everyone. I have OA with bone on bone in my spine, herniated disc spaces in the lumbar region, sciatica OA, severe hip OA and scoliosis. I think she also said stenosis but I'm not real sure. I sort of became overwhelmed with all she was telling me. There was some concern of a herniated blood vessel but that did not show in the CT scan that was done after the MRI. I go on Monday to have a consultation and probable epidural.
I talked with my PT and she said to keep moving, just make my movements smaller. The Y pool is closed for a few days for regular maintenance. I will be glad to go back where it is easier to move. I am hoping to be able to walk more and do some other things after Monday.

Good morning all, just checking in. I have had a sinus infection, and inner ear mess. Didn't feel like getting on the puter much. Hope everyone has a great day, and gets in some sort of exercise.
Hugs and prayers to all.
Marsha

Hi Nola,

What is the pain issue?

Anne

Nola, congratulations in cutting back on your bike. I tell DH to just add a minute a day if he feels like it.
Have a great weekend.
Marsha

New MRI results are helping me change some things and control the pain better. 6 minutes on the bike today instead of 25 We do what we have to do.

I like it, but haven't been able to go because don't want to leave hubby that long.
Marsha

Hi Marsha,

Great comment... always try to exercise with a buddy.
How do you like Silver Sneakers?

Anyone else?

Stay strong,
Anne


Edited by: ANNEBURNELL at: 8/4/2011 (13:05)

Nola, that is good to have someone go with you, makes for more fun. I belong to the "Y" also, but don't do the water as we have a pool, but I do go to the Silver Sneakers exercise class when I feel I can leave DH alone. Enjoy. GO GIRL!!
Marsha

My friend joined the Y this week and has plans for us to go to the pool every day this week. From famine to feast.

June, great attitude, we can do this. I have to go and get supper, we are having breakfast for supper tonight. :)

I got side-tracked in July with cataract surgery, doctor's appt, and visiting a dear elderly friend in NJ. Now I am back and I hope to use Anne's dvd's at least 3 x a week and I start back to the Y for my water exercises 3 x a week since I can now go in water after the cataract surgery. I WILL be accountable to these goals. Hope everyone is having a good Sunday and staying cool. June

And who says we don't have exciting lives. I would say "Calgon take me away" but I know if I made it down to the bathtub someone would have to call the EMT's to get me out!

Nola, sorry your plan to go to the pool didn't work out this week. It seems here that we have appts so much anymore. Today the Cable guy had to come and put in a new Box.
Tomorrow our Son will be here to mow and work in the garage, Thurs. is hair day, Fri is grocery day. LOL

Have a good evening.
Marsha

My great plans to go to the pool 3x this week seem to be going by the wayside. I thought I had a clear week but a new DR. appointment tomorrow morning to reevaluate my OA and an appointment to get my computer worked on Thursday are putting a wrench in my plans. I am riding the bike as soon as I get up in the morning to loosen me up. The new computer chair is helping me be able to Spark more comfortable. I will work all this out somehow. Have a great day my Sparkle friends!

Today i went to our local sports centre,3 times a week they have something called walk and talk.
It started originally to help people who had suffered heart attacks to get mobile again but it is now for anyone who wants to get fit.
We walk around the running track and 4 laps equals 1 mile everybody goes at their own pace and just does the best they can.At the end you log your miles and as they add up you get a small incentive for eg.25 miles = a t shirt and 50 miles= a sweat shirt etc.
Then everyone meets in the cafe for a coffee,it is a good way to meet other people.
this morning i walked 3 miles.

That is great 3 times a day. I need to do more than once a day. I will try to do better.
Have a good night everyone, and have a good night's rest and sweet dreams.
Marsha

I am up to riding my recumbent bike 3x daily. It has been a slow process but I am thankful for each extra minute I have been able to add. I am limiting myself to 15 minutes as I don't seem to trigger additional pain at that point. I am off to do some more Sparking before my sitting time is up.

June, welcome back. I did ride my recumlant bike 1 mile today. Haven't done it like I should. Have a great evening. Going to watch the Weight Extreme Makeover Show at 10:00. We do like that.
Sparks hugs and prayers.
Marsha

I have been away and not real active but I am back and ready to starting using my Anne Burnell dvd's and tracking. Hope everyone had a great holiday! June

I haven't been in the pool for about 2 yrs.I don't like the way I look in a bathing suite.I know it is good exercise so I will go maybe this week.lol

I have tried some chair yoga's but began to have issues because I also have herniated discs in the lumbar region. I did find an exercise on a blog that is a ballerina suggested by someone's PT. I tried it in the pool with a noodle on Friday and I think it really helped. I am going to try to find a ball I can use for the sciatica. I was able to go to the pool twice this week and not much pain while I was doing the movements my PT had suggested. I think I am seeing progress at least for now. Thank you for the information!

Edited by: GRNDMOM43 at: 7/3/2011 (22:08)

Hey Nola,

Welcome! Hope all is well.
If dealing with sciatic nerve pain and anxiety, you may want to consider yoga.
Go to the Exercise Video Clips forum in the General Team Discussion Forum or go to www.youtube.com/strongerseniors for lots of examples of Chair Yoga.

Also for sciatic nerve pain, try gently sitting on an old tennis ball and roll it around on the sitting bone. If that hurts, stop. If you can do this gently and carefully, you may experience some relief.

Keep in touch.

Stay strong,
Anne

Thank you Nola, that is a pretty name. Have a good night's rest. I am turning in.
Marsha

Thank you for the welcome. My first name is Nola.

NPA, not sure of your first name. Just check in when you can. It is hard to keep up with all. We will always be here for you when you can check in.
Marsha

I am new to the team and have not become very active yet. I am participating in several challenges and have put them first to keep me moving. The day is just gone before I can get to everyone. I made it to the pool today, just one time this week. the sciatic pain is on its second month and not much relief in sight. Have a great day everyone.

Pearl that is great, just too hot to walk here now. I plan on going to the Y in the morning, Getting ready to shutdown and hit the sack. Hope that everyone has a good night's rest.
Marsha

It was such a lovely day so i went for a nice walk in the park for 50 min.

So am at end of week two. I am so stoked. Lost almost another 1.8 pounds and can do thirty minutes chair marching and made 1000 points On to next week.

Welcome Teddy Teddy. Glad to have you. I have really put on the steps today cleaning, mopping, etc. Jump right in and post. You have come to a great, supportive group.

Marsha
Tampa, FL

Hi everyone,
My Stronger Senior's 2 DVD set came today. I did the 40 min Stretching DVD. Very good!
I also did 4 min on the treadmill & 400 revolutions on my mini bike. It's a start!

Welcome to the new members, jump right in. This is a great and friendly group.
We are going to our one Great Grandson's 2nd BD party. Have a great day.
Marsha

I have been nursing a painful hip with bursitis and after 3 days it is finally feeling better. Hope to get back to my Anne Burnell tapes by Sunday. Pearl looks like you did great today. Everyone have a happy week-end! Hugs, June

I did my workout this morning.I also did some exercises in my chair.This is a good way to start my day.Hope you all have done some form of exercise today.Its good to take the time to be fit.It is time well spent !

Thanks June, yes we can do this with all of our support.
Marsha

Good for you Marsha. Today I did walking for about 30 minutes outside. Going to do my dvd tomorrow. ! do Ann's dvds two times a week on Core and two times a week on Yoga. WE CAN DO THIS. Have a great Monday and keep Sparking. June

Not sure of your first name, but good for you in doing the chair exercise. I rode my recumbant bike 1.5 miles this evening. That felt good also.
Have a good night's rest.
Marsha

I just finished doing my Anne Burnell Chair Yoga dvd. The stretches felt so good. I truly need this. Have a great evening.

I walked 30 minutes today. Hope to do one of my Anne Burnell chair exercises tonight. If I do I will post it.

Edited by: QTEALADY20031 at: 2/4/2011 (15:51)

How is everybody doing with your exercises?

Good morning to all. Welcome to the newbies, although you never feel like a new kid on the block here. Jump right in on any converstation.
Have a great day.
Marsha

Happy Sunday Morning team.... I just signed in last night. I noticed many of my spark buddies are here so figured it must be the place to be.

Last week was a great week. Lost a few pounds and increased my exercise time a little. This past week I got both the Seniors chair yoga and the Seniors chair core dvd's. AND....I like them.

I hope you all have a fantasmigorical ( made that word up super kind of feelings) Sunday.

Find some joy and share your smile....Karen

Welcome, Pearl!

Well I have been doing cardio exercises for 5 days in the week now and I want to keep it up; hope everyone is able to do some exercises on a regular bases.

Welcome Pearl, I haven't been on much, but glad to have a new member. We can do this with everyone's help.
Marsha

Welcome to the team, Pearl!

Hi Pearl! Thanks for joining us! We can all help each other.

Hi Pearl. Nice to see you and good luck on your goals.
I am pulling for all of us (including myself). Post often and good luck.
Hugs,
Lee

Hello everyone, I am new andI look forward to meeting you on this team forum.I have not been doing cardio exercises for some time now and when I seen the exercises in a chair I decided to join this team.I do dumbells for muscle strenght in my home from sparks demos but I need to work on cardio now as well.2011 is a year of success in taking care of my body.

I will be walking in place while sitting in a chair ...hope to get to the place that i can get more exercise in without pain

Go, Ruthie, go! I'm so proud of your motivation. You will help us all!

I am motivated! Today my DH bought me a mini trampoline with a handle. It will take 250 pounds and that is just what I weighed this morning! i want to lose 3 pounds in a relatively short time if I can so that I can walk on it without fear of breaking it My core exercise DVD should arrive soon.

Mrs Jerry Bush

Yes...I have a recumbant excercise bike that I can ride. Last Jan I had a replacement of my Rt. knee and for awhile I was not able to ride but now there is no excuse! I am motivated!!!

Me, too, Ruthie! Can you ride a stationary bike? Edie

Hi everyone and Ann

I just ordered the core Exercise tape and am looking forward to its arrival. I am 69 and have a few medical problems that limit what I can do. I really need to strengthen my core as I find it difficult to stand uo straight and my balance is off.

Ruthie

Hi Anne,
Traveling the last couple of days so couldn't exercise much. Now back in our winter home so things will be better. We are going to look for a stationary bike to have here this afternoon. I need my hubby to be near me whenever I try any form of exercise. Things will get more active soon.

How is everyone doing with the daily exercise goal?

What keeps you going?

What holds you back?

Let me know.

Stay strong,
Anne Burnell

Thanks Anne. I think it was only a slight crack as I am mending well according the the Dr. this a.m.
My poor son had gallbladder surgery two days before the wedding BUT it was lovely and all had a good time.

Get first of my cataracts done tomorrow so the picture was a portent of things to come I hope.

Hugs all,
Lee

Hope the wedding was a great success and that your rib is on the mend.

Hello all I've not been ignoring. I fell and broke a rib a bruised more ribs and the bod so am doing what I must to be able to enjoy myself at my eldest son's wedding of Friday. I was very lucky it was only a rib.
Messed up all the therapy on the tendinitis. Have two left and will just have to let time heal that.

Thanks Gloria for the journaling tip.

Have a blessed Sunday all.
Hugs,
Lee

Thanks, Gloria!

Thank you, Gloria! I'll try that now!

Anne, Edie ~ go to your Spark Points page...Click on Schedule an Appointment.

Your Journal is on that page and you can write in it daily/weekly, whenever you wish.

Hope this is what you are looking for Edie. Good to have your own journal at home though and jot down in it daily.

Hugs, Gloria

Edited by: GLORYB83 at: 9/6/2010 (10:45)

Not familiar with 'Journal' ... EMMABE, can you help here?

Anne Burnell

Where is the journal found on Sparkpeople?

I'm posting on the wrong thread, sorry!


Edited by: GLORYB83 at: 8/12/2010 (06:34)

Excuse me ladies, I posted in the wrong thread! I'll hop over to the chat thread!

GloriaB

Edited by: GLORYB83 at: 8/12/2010 (06:49)

Anne, I am working on that letter to myself, and there is one thing that came to mind. The exercises I have been TRYING to do were the ones that I did with such ease 20-30 years ago. My 72 year old body is not able to do such strenuous ones, so I have made a note to myself to do milder exercises, more fitting for my age group, so I went ahead and ordered your DVD's. Can't wait to get them, but in the meantime, I did the videos on your Sparks page.
Thank you so much
Joan

! . Happy Birthday to Marsha! Hope it is a lovely day!
! . ! . Hope you have a terrific

Teaching a Hospice Class for new volunteers this aft so need to get over to the treadmill a bit earlier.
Hugs,
Lee

Edited by: MOM1014 at: 8/4/2010 (09:01)

Hi Gals. Gloria has opened up a chat thread below called "Lets Chat"..so that is where I went today.
Maybe we can leave this space for Anne?
Hugs,
Lee

Not sure which thread to post general conversation on here. Hope I am doing this right. Off to get hair done soon. Have a blessed day.
Marsha

I am working on my letter to self. It is taking time, but I'm getting there.

I went to your site last evening, Anne, and it is so encouraging. You have such good moves for seniors and I know it will help lots. I also looked at your DVD's and find them something I would be interested in having.

Wishing all of us well on this team. We can do it!

Jean

I am looking forward to joining in. Thanks for starting this team.
Hugs,
Lee

I AM EXCITED

I've joined so many Spark Teams, only to be let down after getting involved, to find that they are just glorified 'chat teams'.

I think you have what it takes Ann to make this a ture healthy, fitness, wt. loss team.



Edited by: JENGRAMMER at: 7/21/2010 (16:23)

Today my goal is to drink my water and exercise at least 30 minutes at a good pace. I am learning so much here. Everyone I've connected with so far is just great and so friendly. I feel very blessed to be here.

I am going to get busy on that letter to myself. I have tried this so often and there is always something that comes along and deters me. I am hoping that this team will give me the determination to follow through.

Jean

Hello and Welcome.

You are greeted with open arms and an open heart.

Stronger Seniors has no team goals. Well there is one, but I’ll mention that at the end. We are all individuals, with unique gifts and needs.
We must listen to our bodies and act accordingly.

As I teach my over 100 seniors here in Chicago, there are some very simple guidelines to success in living a full and long life.

First you must know exactly what you want, and you must be able to express those wishes. Write them down; visualize them in your mind. Believe it or not, this is hard work. It takes time, focus, and maybe some tears.
Your thoughts will guide your actions and your outcomes.

Second, your actions must be consistent. If you exercise for just five minutes at first, that’s ok. You must, however, make this your baseline. Write out a plan for progress.
You don’t need to do a set number of minutes per day to feel good about yourself.
You DO need to make an agreement with yourself and not let yourself down.

So, your individual goal- start a journal and write your plan. Write to yourself on a regular basis. Be honest with yourself. Rejoice in your progress. Ak for guidance when you need it.

The only team goal we wil have is to open our hearts and experiences, sharing them with the group as a means of motivation and inspiration.