Work No-Fuss Health into your Life

My gym was closed today and -- furthermore --- all the fires in California have compromised our air quality.  But I, however, will not acknowledge excuses not to exercise.  Exercise helps me keep good mental and emotional health, and how well both my beloved hubby and I know it. 

So, because the air quality is bad, I plan to go out very early --- 7 a.m.  The temperature is lovely at that time of day, too, because we are in our summer weather.  If I were doing a run, I would have something small and nutritious first --- a few spoons of yogurt or a few bites of a banana, or a few sips of juice --- so that I wouldn't be running on empty.  (That's just unkind.)  But today, because of the air quality, I don't want to exert my lungs too much, so I plan on a long, brisk walk. 

We live out in a rural area.  Our property is on a "flag lot" which means another property backs the road, and one has to go down a short road between properties to reach our lot, which sits back away from the road.  A lot of the roads out here are dirt, or sections of dirt, or gravel.  But I have a "block" around four or five such neighboring properties that surely must make up a third- or fourth- of a mile (I guestimate this because it requires about 12-14 minutes to walk around, depending on my speed). 

I put on some music in my portable player, or downloads of a favorite radio program, and bring water, which I leave at a rendezvous point, in the shade.  I have my suncreen on, and a hat.  Starting at 7:05, I walk briskly around the block once, then halfway again, before lighting on another idea.  As I pass our barn, I remember a "stair-step" that I found at Goodwill, stored out there.  I stop at the barn and pull the step outdoors, into the shade, and begin stepping up and down.  I do this for another quarter hour, absorbed in what I'm listening to, and enjoying looking at the trees and watching the birds. 

I put the stair-step away and grab two 3-pound plastic, bean-filled weights, which I've had around for years, and I use them in various ways with my arms for the next fifteen minutes.  Exercise biceps, triceps, shoulders, even wrists.  Still listening to my MP3, still watching the trees and the birds, enjoying being outdoors. 

Finally, I pull out a folding mat, found at Target this past month for $30: a real find.  I lay it out and spend 10-15 minutes doing sit-ups, crunches, push-ups, and leg lifts.  Everything feels wonderful and the morning air is so cool and fresh. 

I finally return to my starting spot, bring the dogs out, and let them nose around and explore as I cool down, sipping my water. 

It's been a nice hour, I feel stronger to start my day, and started my day feeling proud of myself.  I done good!