Get Fit Where You S.I.T.

I have had more than my fair share of health challenges, especially for my age. I have learned that I can’t let limitations stop me, but rather, I must learn how to adapt and work with what I have. As we age, this becomes even more important of a principle to embrace, and I call it “Get Fit Where You S.I.T.” S.I.T. stands for:  situations, illness, and trauma.  Over our lifetime, we will experience all of these.  How we handle what life throws at us is what makes the difference between injured and inspired, and stuck and soaring.  Personally, I want to be inspired and soaring – how about you?

Lance Armstrong knows better than anyone the devastation one feels when faced with horrible, life-threatening illness.  He also proved to the world that one can not only beat the odds, but can laugh in the face of adversity with a healthy victory!  Like me, you are most likely not a professional athlete, but you, too, wish to overcome your unique challenges and gain better health.  We aren’t alone as 49.7-million-plus people in the US have some type of long-term condition or disability (U.S. Census).

If you find yourself struggling with your health due to an unfortunate situation, on-going illness or traumatic event, I encourage you to start off by first breathing properly. Oxygen is essential for brain health, and when our brains do not get enough, our emotions WILL get the best of us. Stinking thinking will kick in, and we will immediately become victims of our own making. Oxygen is also important for muscle health, and breathing properly will keep your lungs strong.

In the age of COVID-19 and the onset of the flu season, your lung health should be a top priority. Here is a VLOG where I show you how to breath deeply and fully by using the 10/10/10 method: inhale for 10 seconds, hold for 10 seconds and then release/exhale for 10 seconds. Breath normally in and out, then repeat.

Besides breathing, you need to get moving. I understand some conditions forbid standing or walking. If that is the case for use, you can get a great workout from your chair. I have posted an excellent chair workout on my You Tube channel HERE. You can use hand-held weights or soup cans. Just move! A body in motion stays in motion, but a sedentary body is slowly dying. Once you work all your muscles, be sure to stretch. Flexibility helps with pain management.

Don’t ignore what you eat because it does matter, especially if you have extreme physical restrictions. Eliminate all sugar, flour and processed foods (boxes, canned, and frozen foods). Try to buy and eat fresh foods to support your body. And last but not least, drink plenty of water. Our muscles and brains are made up of 75 percent water, so they need hydration to function properly.

I know how discouraging long-term, chronic conditions can be, but don’t lose hope. You can make improvements and get fit where YOU sit. My booklet gives even more tips for improving your health regardless of your situation.