Lately I’ve had several questions from Family Caregivers seeking some type of exercise, particularly those they can do at home. Exercise is so important to Family Caregivers as exercise helps reduce stress, keeps our joints and muscles toned, and energy work always seems to refresh and renew. I’ve compiled a list of those exercises I’ve tried, folks I know who teach, and tell you why I would suggest them.
First: I have found that discovering an exercise you love will make you want to come back to it every day. So, trying different types, different instructors, different targeted results. It is worth the time and effort as you seek an exercise that speaks to you. Use You Tube to search for exercises you want to try before committing.
Second: Exercise should not be painful. But if you haven’t been exercising, getting started can make you a bit sore, take it slow, but keep at it for a few weeks, you may find the soreness going away.
Third: When you discover an exercise you are attracted to, decide how many days a week you will commit to it and start small: An hour-long Yoga class for me once a week is plenty. You can always add another day or do a full week later on as you become limber and want or have time to do more. A half hour of physical exercise three times a week, or daily chair exercises. Try different ones until you find your fit.
Exercise is so unique to each person and finding an exercise you love will keep you coming back.
My A list:
1. My Number One and most favorite is Qigong, pronounced like “Chi Gong”, and ancient exercise from 5,000 years ago created by the Shaolin Monks. This exercise will tone your body, your mind and your soul. I love it because it is not just physical exercise, it is mindful moving and caring for your breath and body with many health benefits. You may have heard of Tai Chi, (think Bruce Lee), a different form of Qigong which was developed later into a martial arts form by the Shaolin Monks to protect themselves and their living space when outsiders came and attacked them think Ninja Warriors). Check out my favorite Qigong online instructor, Lee Holden, https://www.holdenqigong.com/ to get an idea, and a free try at some of the classes he offers, some on You tube. I’ve taken several courses from him and have never been disappointed, and never sore. My current daily morning practice is a routine I created from his Qigong courses. In addition to a general flow class, I also took his Iron Shirt and Buddha Palm classes, and I joined a weekly hour long QG flow class presented on site where I live by a Family Caregiver who spent some of her Caregiving time practicing-then learning-then getting her certification to become a Qigong Instructor.
2. Then there’s Yoga which I’ve tried several times and now have the ability to take weekly classes. I’m enjoying it much more than I used to because now I’m limber enough to get up and down from the floor. There are tons of online Yoga teachers, you just need to take time and explore until you find the one that fits your needs.
3. If you want physical exercise, I know a fantastic woman, Leslie Bodner, who teaches exercise as well as nutrition, where she does livestream and on demand classes. She has a great sense of humor and has some fun exercise-based challenges throughout the year. Check her out at https://bodfit510.com/
So as part of your Intentional Self Care…get moving. Find one exercise you love and make it a routine, even if it’s just one day a week. And of course, walking is always another great way to release stress, strengthen your body, and breathe fresh air.
Drop me an email. I’d love to hear what your favorite exercise is, why you love it, and how it fits into your Caregiving Day.
Happy Healthy Self-Care, Amy
What’s Your Favorite Exercise?
June 15