Getting fitter a cautionary tale!

I have recently become the owner of a Fitbit (other pedometers are available!).

It would be true to say that at the moment I am a tad obsessed with it. The reason I bought it was to try to have an objective measure about my health, heart function and sleep patterns. I honestly think that there is always something that you can do to improve your health and wellbeing.

On day 6 of Fitbit life and I had managed over 10,000 steps every day, but I had to find opportunities to move (jogging on the spot in the loo when washing your hands works well!). In this short space of time my legs feel like they belong to me again, they are beginning to feel stronger.

My knees still creak and my hip is sore but not anymore than it did before.

After a walk I need to stretch, so I do 10-15min of yoga stretches which help a lot; I get up early to fit this in before work.

Now this is manageable at the moment because it is light and warm, but I thought I would try to get a good habit started now. I will have to have a rethink in the winter, but we do have a running machine in the practice, which will be a godsend.

But, I feel so much better, mentally and physically.

Some days later:

Running on the spot regularly proved to be too much for my feet and it became painful to walk, I have had to moderate my activity a lot.

Firstly I have removed the alert to tell me to move every hour, that has helped. I have also had some treatment and taken some anti-inflammatory medication.

My feet are feeling better and I am starting to up my activity again, but mindfully and carefully, with plenty of rest. I am so grateful to be able to move again.

So what is there to learn from this? Just start doing something, you will feel better physically and also mentally. Exercise is great for the endorphin’s (feel good hormones) produced as well as the self satisfaction of doing something; never mind your heart, joints and muscles.

BUT go carefully, start slowly and build up, rest if you need to. Most importantly enjoy what you are doing.

Before embarking on a new exercise regime, check with your GP/healthcare professional.