Ok, this is one area of my life that I think I have control. I used to never exercise because of all the various injuries and health issues I have. I have finally learned that is definitely not the way to go. It is difficult when your body is complaining over everyday movements, let alone exercising. But then I started walking a little, because even though I can do this without pain for the most part, I will have back pain and my bad foot aches if I do really long walks, or I am on my feet too long. So, I started slowly. We have a park nearby that is on a hill, and has a walking path that winds up and down the hillside. It also has a more steep incline up to a lookout point. I found that I can walk this on good days, but it is painful so I don't do it often. I can however walk the exercise path, so I do that while my daughter walks/runs it. Then I got an exercise tape-low impact aerobics to firm the belly, butt, and thighs. That is a serious challenge, but now I can do it 5 times a week. It puts a lot of stress on my legs, feet, and back though. I suddenly remembered that I have sciatica once I started doing that. The lunges and crunches really burn up my thighs sometimes. I take it easy on bad days and do what I can. And I stretch. I would not survive without stretching. I stretch at least 3 times a day, sometimes more. I start by stretching in the morning, after working out, and when I go to bed at night. My body likes me better now because of it. I also walk to and from work now, which is a 20 minute walk each way. I work out with weights 3 times a week, as well. I usually do it on the days I don't do the aerobics. This is so much easier on my body. Lastly, I invested in a stability ball that I do a 20 minute workout on once I am through with the aerobics. I really enjoy the stretching benefits it gives me, so I use it to cool down and stretch out afterwards. I never thought that I would get this active, but it very enjoyable except for the aches and pains. I have learned to live with that and to listen to my body and take some time off or switch to something less stressful when I need to. I am contemplating taking up swimming again as well, as it is easier on the joints and muscles. I just am unsure how my bad foot will respond to it, as it is weight/pressure sensitive. I wish I could say that all this exercise has helped me lose weight, but I think I need to work on diet modification next, as I am still pretty sedentary overall and I am over 40. I am working with Spark People. As for a mood lifter, I can tell you from experience exercise is definitely the way to go. I feel overall so much better since I started, and my mood stays more stable.
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I know what you mean
As a chronic pain sufferer, I can appreciate your daily choices to get moving. It's difficult to move when you hurt but it's easier when you know you'll feel better after you do.
Good for you and your good choices to take control of your body.
I'm going through difficult changes in my body and it's making it harder to do what I need. I do it, like you, I do it anyway. I'm just presented with new problems so it means that I'll have to find new ways around it. That's all. Frustration is like a storm. It passes. When it comes again, it too shall pass.