Keeping fit on the farm
Q: How can rural people stay healthy and fit when they usually live so far from gyms and aerobics classes?
A: I can identify with this topic as I have lost 20 pounds over the past six months thanks to watching what I eat and purposely getting more exercise.
Gyms are convenient places. A wide variety of equipment can help you tone up and strengthen any specific group of muscles. But many things done in a gym can be done at home, perhaps by installing a chin-up bar in the basement and investing about $50 in a basic but cheap set of dumbbells or barbells. And you need absolutely no equipment to do pushups by yourself.
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Television and videotapes offer another way of exercising. Instead of going to an aerobics class, have the class brought to you on your television screen. You can follow those programs on regular television channels, or you can invest in fitness videotapes, which have the advantage that they can be put on pause if you get out of breath.
Exercise with a friend
Find a physical fitness buddy, someone who also wants to tone up the muscles and tone down the weight. Make regular exercise appointments with them at least twice a week. You don’t have to exercise for a long time. Fifteen minutes, several times a week, will help you keep fit. When you are doing any exercise, count the number of times you do it. Mark down the limits of your ability for each exercise on a chart every couple of weeks. You’ll be surprised at the progress you make.
Walking is an easy but very good exercise, regardless of your age or physical condition. Instead of driving to your neighbors, walk. It will take longer but you will get more out of it. Also, when you arrive there, not just your body but your mind will be stimulated. But remember, watch out how much cake you have with your coffee.
Check out the exercises and energy required to do the various chores around the farm. Instead of looking at them as a chore, see them as an exercise opportunity.
Remember, fitness and food go together. If you want to improve your muscle tone and control your weight, look seriously at the fat content of foods you eat. A low fat diet is not only good for your health, but equally as good for your waistline. I discovered that recently when buying new trousers after losing those 20 pounds.
