Hurdles

This past week was not a good one as far as positive attitude is concerned. It is one my moms biggest threats to her health I feel. It takes a lot to get her out of these slumps but, yesterday proved to be a good exercise day by way of cleaning and hanging new pictures. She played a big role in everything and it helped to turn her mood around. I think this change is very gradual and seems, at first glance, ineffectual. But that is why I think if we are able to make overall major changes that they will stick. Like I have posted before previous weight loss came at a dramatic and abrupt exclusion of calories both good and bad. This had quick results that also faded fast. Emphasis was placed on caloric intake and weight, not health and fitness. So heres hope'in.

You know I am starting to think there is something to this exercise thing! We had a slow start tonight and I was quite sure that mom was going to try and get out of working out. But as she started to talk about something or other I started to do warm-ups with her. Within 2 minutes of throwing the ball her entire demeanor changed. Her energy level grew, she was much more positive, and before I knew it I was 25% further away from her than last time and she was almost knocking me over with the ball! We tried some tricep extensions but she was a bit tight so we did some great stretches and breathing exercises that she enjoyed. The highlight of the evening was when mom suggested some music for inspiration. I took a potty break and when I came out of the bathroom she was holding on to the back of a chair casually dancing to the tunes. lightbulb!! I made the music louder and had her pick her feet up. She was breathing heavy but having fun. I put a resistance band around her ankles and had her to what equated to hip extensions. She was able to jam for about 7 minutes until she realized she was out of breath and had to rest. I am so stoked about this! This proves that she is capable of cardio providing that we can take some of the strain off of her back. My mom seems in great spirits and we had a wonderful second session. Also, she noted increased endurance in her upper body after last session. Great. From a dietary perspective I do not want to do anything to fast. I don't want her to "diet" per say as opposed to slow but permanent changes in eating. This week she has committed to one meal a day composed completely from plants. This should help with some digestive issues. One more day down many to come!

Joe