Exercise is Getting Harder

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Abstract

f a tipping point. Before, I could add a workout to my day and feel a bit of a strain but otherwise incorporate the exercise easily. Now, adding even the slightest bit of physical activity to my routine is like wading against a strong current.This is one reason I’ve kept my walking routine up, even in the cracking cold of winter. I walk for about 45 minutes each morning, sometimes longer if the weather is nice. I consider this to be the base minimum of my physical activity. I can add more activity, but absolutely not subtract.Over the years I’ve added and subtracted yoga fairly randomly. I’ve noticed, with increasing dismay, that each time I add it back in, the same poses are harder and harder to do. My muscles seem to have lost their strength much faster than I thought they could.Arthritis is a factor, too. I can’t get into some poses anymore and have had to modify them to accommodate my aching joints

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.Over the years, yoga has become an unintentional litmus test for my body’s abilities.Back in my thirties, I did yoga five days a week. One day, I managed to get myself into a back bend. I cheered! It was a notable moment because I could remember, with disgusting clarity, how easy it was to do a back bend when I was in my teens.Now I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do one again, and that sucks.It’s frustrating to know that if my physical activity decreases, my muscles deteriorate faster and faster each year. I have to work harder and harder to simply maintain a level of strength rather than just wake up and be strong like I was when I was young.Having said that, I’m grateful to be able to do the things I can, and I’ll take my small wins as they come. I’m still able to bend and twist, albeit gently, and can walk. For now, that’ll have to be enough.</article></body>

I’m still doing it though

Once upon a time, I could jump rope and never be out of breath. I could do cartwheel after cartwheel and feel invigorated and alive. I could lift and carry heavy boxes without breaking a sweat.

Now I sometimes gasp going up a flight of stairs.

How insulting, that my body has degraded like this.

I mean, the daily chocolate and/or cookies probably hasn’t helped.

Fine, definitely hasn’t helped.

But also, I feel like I’m on the downside of a tipping point. Before, I could add a workout to my day and feel a bit of a strain but otherwise incorporate the exercise easily. Now, adding even the slightest bit of physical activity to my routine is like wading against a strong current.

This is one reason I’ve kept my walking routine up, even in the cracking cold of winter. I walk for about 45 minutes each morning, sometimes longer if the weather is nice. I consider this to be the base minimum of my physical activity. I can add more activity, but absolutely not subtract.

Over the years I’ve added and subtracted yoga fairly randomly. I’ve noticed, with increasing dismay, that each time I add it back in, the same poses are harder and harder to do. My muscles seem to have lost their strength much faster than I thought they could.

Arthritis is a factor, too. I can’t get into some poses anymore and have had to modify them to accommodate my aching joints.

Over the years, yoga has become an unintentional litmus test for my body’s abilities.

Back in my thirties, I did yoga five days a week. One day, I managed to get myself into a back bend. I cheered! It was a notable moment because I could remember, with disgusting clarity, how easy it was to do a back bend when I was in my teens.

Now I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do one again, and that sucks.

It’s frustrating to know that if my physical activity decreases, my muscles deteriorate faster and faster each year. I have to work harder and harder to simply maintain a level of strength rather than just wake up and be strong like I was when I was young.

Having said that, I’m grateful to be able to do the things I can, and I’ll take my small wins as they come. I’m still able to bend and twist, albeit gently, and can walk. For now, that’ll have to be enough.