Autumn began, we saw the continued increase in COVID infection in my city and the tightening of restrictions in some cities nearby.
It was gradually becoming apparent that things were going to get worse before they got better…A second lockdown is imminent, and Winter is coming!
I needed to find some way of keeping and maintaining good health – mentally, physically and psychologically.
I get really depressed in the winter. The short days, dark evenings and long nights play havoc on my psyche.
I eat a lot of starchy foods, sit around the house not wanting to go anywhere or do anything, but go to bed and pull the covers over my head…..and this has become more difficult as I get older.
Over the years I’ve resorted to St. John’s Wort or pharmaceutical antidepressant and sunlight lamps in the winter, to keep my mood and spirits up.
Before retiring from work, it wasn’t so bad as I had to go out of the house daily; and I was more active in daily life.
On retirement these have slowed down considerably; and whilst during the summer – with its longer days and much, much more sunlight – I can go for long walks and potter in my garden. I can’t do this in winter…
I don’t want to go out when it’s miserable and cloudy; when the rain clouds behave like a bully and keep me indoors.
Also even if I like the gym – which I detest – I wouldn’t be able to go to one if the authorities close them down.
I had to think of something to do to keep active, which I’d find easy, and I enjoy doing. Otherwise, I really would go to bed and draw the covers over my head!
I was still ruminating over this and I spoke to my younger daughter on Facetime about it.
She said that there is a way to do a 4 minute HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) exercise using the stairs, which will improve energy and fitness, and help to lose weight.
This involved running up the stairs and walking down for 4 minutes.
So, I decided to try it…
It shouldn’t be too hard. I’m in the house, I can do this whatever the weather AND it’s only 4 minutes.
I’m already aware that whenever I go upstairs I’m getting a bit breathless & tired so this should be a great way to improve my stamina.
I tried this soon after speaking to her….God, it was HARD!!!
I hobbled up the stairs & crawled down them; huffing and puffing all the way through the 4 minutes…
I was damn exhausted afterwards…..4 Minutes!!! This has to do some good.
I was still thinking of a more prolonged way of keeping fit at home, and the next day it suddenly hit me…I love walking, so if it’s possible to have a fold-up treadmill at home this would be perfect.
I can walk every day and not worry about the weather – rain, gloom, wind or shine.
In fact, I’d enjoy being on it inside, whilst watching and listening to the rain pouring down outside and knowing that I’m not out in it; or sitting at home wanting to go out but the threatening rain clouds keep me fastened indoors.
I can set it up in front of the television and watch my favourite programme while I’m using it, and when I’ve finished I can then fold it up and put it away.
I looked around my living room and found the perfect place to put it…
I started my Amazon search straight away, and the next day I spoke to my eldest daughter and she was very encouraging and considered it an excellent idea, but thought it would be less expensive to hire instead of buying one.
We looked into this and found that if I hired one for 6 months, it would be more expensive than buying one. I had a budget of £150 – £200.
We both looked and searched, reading specifications and comments from other buyers, and finally settled on one – a bit more than my budget, but it looks good.
I went for it…..it was Wednesday and it’s coming on Saturday.
Until then I’ll continue the HIIT exercise daily. This should start my fitness ball rolling…
Watch this space…..
I love the idea of running up the stairs and walking back down. The trend mill is also a great idea thanks .
It definitely is a good idea Sophia. You don’t have to leave your house, buy new gear or dress up as if you’re going to the gym…and you can do it as often as you like and not cost you a penny.
Oooh! This is exciting! The plot thickens! I love walking too.
When I drop my son off at school, I like to walk in the beautiful big park not far from the school. I can see the miserable weather will impact on my decision/ability to do that though. I’m not a fan of bad weather.
One thing I do like though is yoga. I find that doing some rounds of Salutation to the Sun flows tends to get me properly stretched out for the day.
Yes indeed, walking is an excellent activity for fitness and relaxation; and I like yoga too. They both help to keep you in good shape. It cost very little to equip yourself with the basics to do yoga and walking is free.
A great post – thank you.
I really enjoy being out on walks and runs in the Spring and Autumn and sometimes in the winter too.
I really love training in light drizzle and even in gentle snow sometimes but you’ll never – ever catch me out there in heavy rain. As a middle-aged woman, I’ve found that I need all the help I can get to keep cool whilst I exercise and a cool, drizzly day works perfectly For me.
I think the fold-up treadmill is an excellent solution for those heavy rain or super gusty days, when it’s just too cold (or dangerous) to be on the road. Perhaps I should consider getting one myself?
Can’t wait to hear how you get on with your new treadmill. Hopefully it hasn’t gone the way of all home exercise bikes and is now standing in a corner and being used as a clothes horse.
Your next post could help my purchase decision!
Walking is one of my favourite pastime Gay. It’s quite invigorating especially when doing it in good weather. I’m afraid that in winter I’m not encouraged to go outdoors though.