Exercising Your Demons!

Andrea here, thinking today on how we’re all spending a lot more time at home . . . and some of the ramifications involved in sheltering-in-place, especially as here in the northern hemisphere we’re fast approaching the heart of winter . . . which make it even more inviting to curl up in front of the fire with good book and a cup of cocoa.

And maybe cookies. Or chocolate . . .

Pandemic baking is one of those ramifications. NOT that I’m guilty of overindulging in sweets. (Pssst, this Andrea’s editorial assistant, and just so you know, a batch of chocolate-chip blondies just came out of the oven. But you didn’t hear that from me!) Okay, well, maybe I do have a few extra “comfort” treats. The Wenches have been sharing recipes with each other, and so many of them look SO good. (Anne and Christina have been especially bad at leading us astray!) But after all, it wouldn’t be the holidays without sugar and spice. (And butter.)

Which leads me to another pandemic ramification—the dreaded subject of exercise and how to get the heart pumping instead of "plumping". With many gyms closed, and our usual routines curtained, it seems to me that we’re all doing a lot more sitting and staying put—which we all know isn’t good. In response, the sales of home exercise bikes and treadmills have apparently kicked into high gear . . . However, if you’re like a number of my friends, the idea of climbing on an exercise machine sends a trickle of cold sweat sliding down your spine.

You think that’s bad? Ha—don't be a wimp! To make you feel more grateful about working out on a sleek, state-of the-art hi-tech wonder, complete with a heart monitor, cushy padded seat or resilient running surface, video screens and choice of programs programs, I thought I’d share some exercise machines (aka implements of torture) from the past.

I really enjoy a website called Open Culture, which features all sorts of fascinating blogs on quirky things in wide range of subjects. History, art, music, science, pop culture—the articles are always fun and lively. And it also offers links to free lectures, course, art and images. The other day they ran a photo essay on mechanical therapy system designed by Dr. Gustaf Zander, a self-styled Victorian health guru from Sweden. (You can see the full article here.)

Interestingly enough, Zander came up with the idea for his machines because so many factory workers were sitting in one place for hours at a time. (Our sedentary lifestyle is nothing new, though we hunch over computers rather and sewing machines or lathes.) Zander’s Therapeutic Institute in Stockholm (his equivalent of the modern gym) featured a fearsome array  of machines designed to strengthen muscles with weights and resistance, just like our high tech designs. Though you admit, his are much cooler-looking . . . though I’m not sure I’d want to strap myself into some of the more intimidating ones!

I have to admit, I’m not a gym rat. The idea of spinning class, with music blaring and an instructor screaming at me to “pump it up” doesn’t appeal to my inner introvert. I do have a spiffy exercise bike by the window in my workroom for cardio fitness, and I do work up a sweat reading or watching “The Crown” on Netflix—or some such interesting video. (Hey—at times it’s research!)

But one of my favorite ways of staying healthy is taking a long daily walk at good clip. No music, no phone (except to snap pictures of nature that catch my eye.) I call them my plotting walks, as I often think about my WIP, and ponder over plot twists that have gotten tangled. Studies have shown that the brain function a little differently when you’re doing something physically active, as opposed to sitting a desk. I really do find that I can be struggling with something all day at the computer, and then suddenly get on what’s wrong when I’m walking along the harbor admiring the sunset.

So what about you? What have you been doing to stay fit? Do you like or loath exercise? What about exercise machines or gym classes . . . Or an outdoor walk?

 

Comments

[Sue McCormick]

I have been woefully remiss about exercise. I DO have a very good all-purpose exercise machine that works for walking, and then you add whole-body exercises. But just about the time that covid-19 hit us all, my body decided to add an "older-person" disorder, completely unrelated to tne world's troubles. But dealing with it has weakened me. I'm just beginning to get my strength back; then I'll return to my Gazelle, and get my walking back up to 1/2 a mile a day.

[Andrea Penrose]

Sue, hope you feel stronger soon!

I'm a firm believer in listening to your body, so take it easy until you feel ready. Walking is a really excellent and low-stress way of exercising, so a very wise choice.

Hugs and take care of yourself!

[Jeanne Behnke]

I really love to exercise and do it every day. Since moving to CA I do it at home on my time schedule instead of attending any classes. Of course, with all the COVID shutdowns this has worked out really well. I'm self-motivated obviously. My favorite is still the outdoor walk which is usually 4 miles for me. I'm similar to you Andrea (except not with a WIP) in that it allows you to just let things come into your head & clear things up.

[Mary T]

Back in the 70s and 80s I did aerobic dance exercise classes at the Y, and I enjoyed them. Music improves anything - even sweating. When I retired I joined a senior water exercise class and loved that also. Now I have a regimen that I put myself through here at home, but it is more just to keep myself going, than to make improvements.

The one thing that I do miss is taking walks. I have never been that crazy about exercise, but I have always enjoyed walking (except in extreme weather).

BTW, I love the pics of the early exercise equipment. What a hoot.

[Misti]

Looking at all those pictures of the exercise machines just makes me think people can be pretty amazing in their creativity and invention.
I have a love/hate relationship with exercise. I'm lazy and would rather be curled up with a book, but can't deny it does make me feel good and especially this year, it keeps the anxiety away (or manageable). Outdoor walks are my favorite way to exercise. From my house I can walk to a botanical garden with paved river pathway and it's always a great place to walk. It's even fun in the winter as long as it's not too icy.

[Quantum]

Some of those gadgets do indeed look like torture machines though I quite like the look of the simulated horse with the lady sitting side saddle ... I wonder if it simulated the motion of a horse and the exercise involved hanging on for dear life!

When much younger I enjoyed athletic pursuits and would often go for an evening run around the Cotswold country lanes, to relieve stress and release those natural endorphins that make you feel good. Nowadays a gentle stroll on rolling hills with spectacular views is more to my liking, in good weather. For bad weather I'm starting to think about some sort of indoor exercise machine, Lots of interesting possibilities make the choice difficult ...though I have yet to find a simulated horse ... that might clinch it for me!

Interesting post Andrea 😊

[Andrea Penrose]

Yes, I find exercise every day is a huge boost to my overall well-being. And while cardio is really good, I really find walking the very best for both mind and body. Letting your thoughts wander and react to Nature clears the head. At least it does for me!

[Andrea Penrose]

Mary, aren't the machines hilarious. They all make sense, and used the technology they had . . .but they do look intimidating!

I agree that music is great for exercising. However, I do find when I walk I like just the silence, so I can hear the birds and the wind.

"Keeping going" is really important right now! IMO, a little exercise every day really lifts the spirits.

[Andrea Penrose]

LOL on the love-hate. I confess, many times I remind myself that after a session on the exercise bike, I can have a brownie! (The proverbial carrot and the stick!)

How fabulous that you get to walk through a botanical garden! That has to be so lovely to watch the constantly changing Nature around you,

[Andrea Penrose]

LOL, Quantum. I did wonder about the saddle contraption . . maybe posting up and down!

I used to love daily running, but after one arthroscopic knee operation and the warning that I was wearing them out, I've slowed to a daily walk (though at a good pace) so I can keep playing golf and squash without pain or the prospect of knee replacements. The exercise bike is less stressful on the joints, so that how I get my cardio rush of endorphins. And it's win-win as I can read while still getting my heart rate up. And as you listen to audiobooks, you might enjoy the bike.

Your venues for walking sound wonderful. I find that beautiful landscapes also help lift the spirits and clear the head.

[Constance]

Currently I am following a very specific exercise program to rebuild muscles following hip replacement. I get my self through it, if I’m lucky, by visualizing the walks I’ll be able to take when fully recovered — and, in many cases, when quarantine finally ends! (Growing up, I rode horses and played tennis, and now I’m told both probably contributed to bad joints, but I do not regret a minute if it!). This morning, in my mind, I walked from the top of The Hill, down the High Street in Burford, across the Windrush, and up into the hills toward Fulbrook, promising myself a treat when I got to the Carpenter’s Arms pub, all from my New England bedroom! No idea about the weather in the Cotswolds right now, but on my walk, it was sunny and cool, not freezing rain as it is here! Perhaps this afternoon I’ll take a walk around Edinburgh.... 😎

[Mary Jo Putney]

Andrea, I look at those machines and shudder at the thought of wearing long skirts to work out! I don't exercise really hard, but I'm very consistent and have been doing it regularly for decades. These days it a workout with a personal trainer at the Y twice a week, and using the elliptical machine while reading my Kindle. I should be doing it more, but something to read helps me make the effort!

[Andrea Penrose]

LOL! I know, I can't imagine trying to move and sweat in corsets and long skirts. I look at vintage tennis players from the Victorian era and wonder how they ever moved a step! Talk about being a slave to fashion!

There's no way I could workout on a machine if I couldn't read or occasionally watch a Masterpiece Theater show or movie on my desktop computer while I pedal away. It would be WAY too boring. Sweat and read: win-win!

[Kareni]

What an intriguing post, Andrea, and what fascinating exercise machines! Prior to March, I was walking twice a week (two plus miles each time) to play mah-jongg; it was nice to have a reward at the end of the walk. Nowadays, my husband and I try to take a short walk around the neighborhood once or twice stay.
Chocolate...ahh, chocolate....

[Andrea Penrose]

Kareni, may the new year bring a return of your mah-jongg games and the walks to and fro. Even the short walks are a good idea. I really do think they lift the spirits . . .

And so does chocolate!

[Pamela DG]

I've actually lost 15 pounds. My clothes fit better and I'm not fatigued. However; I would not recommend loosing it the way I did. This fall I contracted pneumonia. Vomiting and no appetite is not how I prefer to diet. All I can say is I'm glad it wasn't COVID! Now if I can keep the weight off through the rest of the holiday season. Drink a lot of water, folks. It keeps your stomach full so you don't eat as much.

[Sue McCormick]

Pamela, I AGREE with you; being sick is no way to loose weight.

However! I do have a very good maintenance diet. So I have managed to keep my body at the new weight after each loss. As a result of this; since I retired and we moved hear my weight has dropped from the 170 I weighed 30 years ago to the low 120s (my current weight, which varies slightly from day to day, as I expect). This 120 is my teen-age weight, so my body is back to its "perfect" weight.

[Andrea Penrose]

Oh, ypies, Pamela. That definitely isn't an ideal way to lose weight. So, so sorry! I hope you're fully recovered. Take it easy—and treat yourself to a holiday goodie without feeling guilty!

[Andrea Penrose]

That's great, Sue. And sounds like you've done very healthily and wisely. The nice thing about a good maintenance diet is you can occasionally treat yourself to a splurge without feeling guilty. Because once in a while is good for the spirits!