Not All Active Minutes Are Created Equal

January 22, 2023January 22, 2023 Diane ZiomekLeave a comment

I’m ready for winter to be over. Although, it did give me an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone again this year.

On Friday I went snowmobiling with my boyfriend Jeremy. He’s an avid ‘sledder’ while I am as green as they come.

I’m not one to go too fast on anything, especially when it’s unfamiliar to me and I don’t know what I’m doing. And because it all comes so naturally to him, he failed to mention the throttle on the one I was riding tends to stick. I can’t fault him, because he knows its quirks and just deals with it as it happens.

I, however, did not know it did that…nor did I know what to do when it did. So naturally I panicked and hit the kill switch; which shut the machine down as it was supposed to. The downside…I had to wait for him to come back to me and start it. I was ready to turn around right there, but we switched machines for a few miles. Once we got into the open field I did much better, and figured out how to adjust the throttle when it decided to be a jerk.

By the time the day was done, my Fitbit said I had just over 300 minutes! Yes…you read that right. 300! That’s 5 hours of activity, but we were only gone about 3 hours; and that included a stop at a friend’s for coffee.

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As much as I’d like to say I burned thousands of calories as well, that’s not the case. I didn’t burn a whole lot more than I do on a regular day. And my step count wasn’t that spectacular either. I’m sure most of them were racked up from the bumps in the fields.

My conclusion: my heart rate was very high simply because I was either terrified, scared, or talking (while visiting). I’m sure it was a combination of all the emotions I experienced during the afternoon.

My point is that although I got over 300 minutes, I’m sure very few were the type of minutes that are good for our hearts. Stress and anxiety may raise our heart rate, but they do not release the feel-good chemicals that we benefit from during exercise. In fact, anxiety at that level on a regular basis can be detrimental to our heart health.

When we got back to his house we stretched out on the couch, and while he napped I practiced some deep breathing to calm myself down. It was hours before I felt like myself again, which goes to show that anxiety can cause real problems for those who experience it regularly.

I like to think of myself as a pretty relaxed person that doesn’t get too worked up over anything, but not having the control over the machine I should have had stressed me out. That in itself is not a feeling I like to have.

He loves sledding, and loves to go to the mountains. He wants me to join him this year so he can show me his passion, but to be honest, I’m feeling anxious just thinking about it. I’m sure it’s simply because I don’t have the experience on a snowmobile to begin with. I went with him once last winter near his house, and then again on Friday. I’m not sure if I’m ready for a mountain trip this year. I prefer the mountains in the summer. 🙂

All of that aside, when you’re raising your heart rate be sure it’s going to benefit you (via exercise, laughter, and happy conversation), and not harm you (via anxiety, stress, arguments). We don’t have control over every situation in life, but we can learn to take steps to regain some control when things go south.

Plus there’s nothing wrong with stepping out of our comfort zones; we just have to know how to get back into them when things feel out of control. I’m thankful for my yoga and learning how to breathe to calm myself down. It was definitely preaching put into practice, instead of just saying I need to practice what I preach.

As I said, we all have moments when we don’t have control over a situation. Being able to get back to a healthy heart rate as quickly as possible after a stressful situation is important. It not only helps our body, but also our mind.

If you’re faced with stress, what do you do to regain control of your heart rate and emotions? Let me know in the comments below.

Exercise · Weight loss · Workout · Yoga

When Life Gets in the Way Just Keep Going.

January 17, 2023January 17, 2023 Diane ZiomekLeave a comment

I really do need to practice what I preach!

I thought I was doing so well, then I was committed to a project for several hours per day for the last week. My progress went for shit, and I think I weigh more now than I did before Christmas. If it wasn’t for my Fitbit telling me to get up and move, I know I would have had a lot less steps than I did.

I’m happy to say that project is now in a box in my Jeep, ready to be mailed to the publisher. It really has been a thorn in my side, but at the end of the day, it has also been the connection to my late husband’s roots. And for that I am grateful.

When I packaged up the USB, index cards, and family histories tonight, I was very ready for a glass of wine. But as ready as I was, I opted to have some milk instead. The fact I hadn’t eaten supper didn’t help, so I figured milk was the better choice.

It’s all about the choices we make, no matter what’s going on in life. We can choose the wine and overdo it; or we can choose the milk and give our bodies the vitamins and minerals it needs. I will be honest; had I chosen the wine I wouldn’t be writing this post. I’d probably be playing Yahtzee or one of my other games on my iPad.

Granted, sometimes we don’t have any control over what happens. And it’s those times that we have to be thankful for the times we do have options. I know that by making even the simplest decisions I am helping myself become a better person. That’s not to say I won’t choose the wine tomorrow, but not having it tonight proves I don’t need it to celebrate a project completed.

Tonight was also the first time in over a week that I did anything with my yoga hammock besides use it to balance myself when I was taking off my jeans. It felt good to stretch out in it and do a few easy poses. I like it for the Bridge Pose because it’s much easier on my spine than when I’m on the floor.

I also like to stretch my sides by curling to my right, then my left while laying on my back in the hammock. It’s essentially the same thing as standing on the floor and leaning to one side or the other, but with a better stretch because you don’t have to keep your balance in check. At least that’s my opinion.

You may think I’m choosing the easy way, but for me it works. And that’s what it’s all about; choosing whatever works for us at this point in time. Don’t let others tell you what you should be doing, such as a full cardio workout when your body isn’t ready. Take your time, but also give yourself a little push further with each workout.

I generally do five reps of the Bridge Pose, but tonight I did ten. Will I feel it in the morning? Yes, most likely. But I’ll have also given my muscles the extra stretch they’ve needed, since so many hours have been spent sitting in my computer chair and bent over a stack of papers at the table.

As I wrap up this rambly post, I’ll leave you with this: no matter how far you think you’ve fallen behind with your workouts or what have you, you can always choose to start again. It’s okay to be back at square one, because life happens. What’s not okay is to give up.

What do you do when you have a setback? Let me know in the comments below.

Exercise · Low-impact workout · Uncategorized · Weight loss · Yoga

Minor Setbacks Are Just That; Minor Setbacks.

January 8, 2023January 8, 2023 Diane ZiomekLeave a comment

(Post started Thursday January 5) I hope you’ve had a good week so far. Mine has been semi-busy as I have been working on some planners and colouring pages for my other website. I bought a new program today too, so hopefully it works as well as I think it will.

I’m writing this post using my iPad and pen. It’s a little different because I’m handwriting it and the iPad is converting it to typed text. It’s actually quicker for me to do it this way. I do see some edits that will have to be made, but for the most part it’s working quite nicely.

I’m working on another yoga planner; this one is going to have some poses and a little more colour. I bought some elements from an artist on Creative Market several months ago, and am finally using them. It’s really quite nice to have the option of buying graphics and being able to use them in my planners and journals. I always buy the commercial use license, just so I can sell the items I create.

My personal yoga and low impact workouts have been crappy this week, but I’m sure it’s because I’ve been spending so much with time my butt-in-chair. I really do need pick up the pace if I’m going to get my goal of 150 active minutes this week. (This post has been edited, and I just got my goal.)

I did take it a little easier today. Simply so I wouldn’t undo everything my physiotherapist did today. I’m still fighting with a decade-plus old shoulder injury, so making some progress is better than none. My range of motion is finally almost as good as the left shoulder for the most part.

Having to contend with a sore shoulder doesn’t make my workouts easier, but I do know that by not anything I’m only hurting myself in the end.

(Post continued Sunday Jan 8) I do have to say, I’m glad the holiday season is over. It’s hard to stay on track when there are two Christmasses to get through. Yes, we celebrated Ukrainian Christmas yesterday and I’m sure I gained back all I lost…just at supper. My sisters are amazing cooks; especially when it comes to the Ukrainian food. My contribution to the meal this year was broccoli salad, as per request from my younger sister.

I made all the fattening stuff when everyone was here for Christmas. I do have to say, the 3 of us girls can cook up a storm when we want to. and we all love to eat it, so we have to work hard to stay fitting into our jeans. (I just wish mine could be a little smaller, but I’ll get there.)

With all of the food and visiting through Christmas, I have to remind myself it’s not the end of the world that my weight loss has come to a halt. (I’m just grateful we were able to get together and enjoy good food, drinks, and most of all, visiting in person.) I know I can pick up the pace again soon and I’ll resume my journey. We all hit roadblocks every now and again, no matter what we do.

My latest listing in my Etsy shop; more to come.

Part of any journey is knowing there’ll be little setbacks here and there. The key is to not let them stop us from continuing on that journey. Yes, we may falter a little but that doesn’t mean we should give up. And if it means forcing ourselves to do even 10 minutes of low impact exercise or yoga, then we owe it to our future selves to do it.

Although my scale hasn’t been giving me the numbers I would like, I have noticed it takes me a little longer to get my heart rate up. And that being said, it means I’m slowly improving my heart health. The weight loss itself isn’t going so well, but there is still improvement in my overall health. And for that I am grateful.

So remember, even if you’re not exactly where you want to be, look for signs that you’re getting closer. If you can walk farther, do more reps before you get winded, or climb stairs without feeling as if you’re on fire, then you’re getting closer to a healthier you. and that’s all we really want, isn’t it? To be healthy so we can enjoy life?

What do you do to get back on track? Let me know in the comments below.

Exercise · Weight loss · Workout

Don’t Make New Year’s Resolutions; Make Lifestyle Changes.

January 2, 2023 Diane ZiomekLeave a comment

Happy New Year!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends, and that you made some wonderful memories.

I’m trying to get back into some sort of a routine myself. I’m sure it’ll be easier now that January is here. I do have one more family function on Saturday the 7th, as we will be celebrating Ukrainian Christmas at my older sister’s house. We’re planning on taking family pictures as well; the first since Ukrainian Christmas 2020.

A lot has changed in our family since then. Some changes were good; some were not. But had even one of those changes not happened, it’s hard to say what I’d be doing now. Chances are I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this post.

But, it’s not a time to dwell on the past, or wonder what could have been. I’m working on concentrating on the here and now, and looking forward to the days ahead. And those days will turn into weeks, months, and years before we know it. Time does have a way of passing us by, doesn’t it?

With the new year comes a list of resolutions for many. I myself stopped making resolutions years ago. I figure if I don’t make them, then I won’t feel so shitty about myself when I don’t see them through.

I am taking a new approach; or rather modifying one I have been working on for the past few years. My approach to the new year is simple: do better than last year. Whether it’s exercising more consistently, spending more time with family and friends, or simply being grateful for what I have.

Instead of concentrating on being X amount of pounds by a certain date, I’m going to simply add a few minutes to my exercise goals each week. The way I see it, if I watch what I eat and burn some extra calories I will be gradually losing the excess weight. By not focusing on the scale reading (which I find myself doing more than I should) I should be able to notice the difference in how my clothes fit.

Muscle is heavier than fat, and not seeing the numbers drop can be disheartening. I do need to remember to pay attention to how my jeans fit, as opposed to being aggravated when the scale says I haven’t dropped much. It’s hard to not step on the scale every morning, but I am going to try and limit myself to stepping on it once a week. The daily ups and downs of the numbers makes me feel like I’m not making any progress.

It’s why I’m working on designing a planner/journal that will help me focus on the progress I have made, rather than on what I didn’t do. My goal is to have it finished by the end of the week so I can start recording my steps, active minutes, water intake, etc. My exercise record will obviously be different from yours, but I think I have a good start on what to include.

The photo below is of the Daily Page in my Planner-in-Progress. What would you include based on your lifestyle/exercise routine?

I added the puzzles as a placeholder for other information. I do have the ability to include different puzzles if it’s something you would like to see in a planner. Sometimes we just need to have a little fun too, instead of work, work, work. Plus brain games are good for us too. We need to exercise our minds as well as our bodies.

By making the little changes (hence the habit tracker) we can gradually become healthier versions of our current selves. I know I’m on the right track, and I hope I can help you get to where you want to be as well.

Exercise · Low-impact workout · Weight loss · Workout · Yoga

Cold Weather and Your Workout Schedule

December 21, 2022 Diane ZiomekLeave a comment

I do have to say; I’m glad I don’t have to go outside today. We have hit one of our deepfreezes of the winter. It’s not the first, and it definitely won’t be the last. When I checked my weather app this morning it said we were at -34 Celsius, with a -43 Celsius windchill. BRRRR!!!!

I know some of you can’t even fathom how cold that is. For me, it’s a reality every winter. In all honesty, I’ll take it over the volcanoes, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters so many parts of the world have to endure. I know it’s not going to last, and we do get some reprieve throughout the winter. By next week we’re supposed to be a balmy -7 Celsius, which will feel like summer.

When it’s cold like this, going for a walk or a run outside is not safe. Not only does it hurt one’s lungs, but the danger of frostbite and hypothermia is greater. That’s all the more reason to have an exercise routine you can do inside. Plus, it’s not even safe to be out on the roads in this temperature; so going to the gym should not take priority over safety. I do realize travel is necessary, especially when you have to get to work.

I do have to venture out again before the weekend, so I’m hoping Friday is a little nicer. Until then I will stay inside and get my baking, wrapping, and the rest of my decorating done. I’m hosting Christmas Dinner this year, so am looking forward to family being here.

Even with the winter winds blowing and the snow falling, I have been able to maintain some degree of activity. When my Fitbit tells me I’ve been sitting too long (which often happens when I’m working), I get up and set my timer for even 5 minutes. I’ll do a short low-impact workout to get the blood flowing and the metabolism kick-started. If I have a little more time, I’ll set the timer for anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes. It’s those longer sessions that really can get the heart rate up, even by just walking quickly in place. I do try to mix in a few different moves to work other muscles. (For some ideas check out the video I have in the right sidebar.)

Don’t let your weather stop you from getting your workouts in. Turn on some upbeat music and do some quick walking in place, and add in some kicks, punches, and squats. It’s amazing how many steps can be racked up in a short time. Even if your mobility is limited due to injury, you can improvise. I have an old shoulder injury that I have to baby, but I don’t let it stop me from reaching up as high as I can. (However, I do tend to overdo it sometimes, and pay for it.) Listen to your body, and don’t push yourself too hard.

In the new year I’ll be recording more yoga and low-impact videos. I’m currently waiting on some additional recording equipment so I don’t have the issues I did with the first yoga one I did. And no, it’s not on my YouTube Channel because I couldn’t figure out how to flip it vertically. For some reason it recorded it upside down, so I look like I’m hanging from the ceiling. 😛

I’ve invested in a wireless microphone and a tripod that’ll hold my iPad at the right level. Hopefully with the additional equipment I can do a better recording than the last one. However, that first one was to get me out of my comfort zone. Plus I’ll learn more about editing and video production while I walk off the extra weight I’ve been carrying around. It’s all part of the learning curve when trying something new.

The next few days are going to be busy ones. I’ll try and sneak in another post before Christmas, but if I don’t get one in I’m going to take this time to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy the time with family and friends, and don’t feel guilty about the extra calories consumed. If you’re laughing and enjoying yourself, those calories will be burned up before you know it.

Have you experienced the frigid temperatures I’ve talked about? Or do you live where ice and snow never make an appearance? Let me know in the comments below.

Exercise · Low-impact workout · Workout

3 Ways to Sneak in Your Workouts When You Don’t Have Time

December 13, 2022 Diane ZiomekLeave a comment

Do you find yourself losing momentum with your workout routine?

We’ve all been there. Life takes over and the workouts suffer. Ask me how I know.

Last week I talked about starting with small workouts, and I feel that little talk also applies to when you can’t fit in a longer one. (And, I need to practice what I preach.)

It’s so easy to let life take over, especially when you haven’t gotten into a set routine yet. For me it has been watching my granddaughter and helping my daughter with their move. Although, keeping tabs on a baby who has started crawling can be a workout in itself. 😀

Break up your workout time.

If you’re used to setting aside an hour straight a day for exercise, break that time up into smaller increments. There’s nothing wrong with doing mini-workouts. You’re still benefitting, because something is better than nothing. Do a 10-minute low impact workout at different times of the day when you can’t commit to the whole hour at once.

Change what you do.

If your usual workout happens at home or at a gym, and you’re not at either, do something different. Business often takes people away, and only the super-committed will find a gym so they don’t miss their workouts. (I know people like that, but I am not one of them.) And if you’re visiting family or friends chances are they don’t keep the same schedule you do. A 10-minute brisk walk can not only raise your heart rate, but it can also clear your mind. 10 minutes is better than zero minutes.

Incorporate your workouts into your day.

I know not everyone works from home like I do, and some days can get hectic. If you work in an office building with more than one floor, take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you have access to a park, have your lunch there (weather permitting) and go for a walk afterward. Walk while doing errands if possible to get some extra steps in.

If you can’t get away from your desk, another option is to do some sitting workouts. You need to move your body to keep the blood flowing. Even something as simple as leg-raises can be done while sitting. (Just a note here: it’s not as easy as it sounds. I just tried it and can now see how chair workouts are just as intensive as standing workouts.)

Wrapping it up.

Life can throw a curveball at anyone at any time. Instead of making excuses for not sticking with your routine, find other ways to make it work. Sure, it won’t be what you do on a regular basis, but it will be something. Walking in the park instead of on the treadmill, taking the stairs instead of using the stair climber at the gym, and a few minutes of chair exercises will all help raise your heart rate and burn some extra calories.

What do you do when your routine gets messed up? Let me know in the comments below.

Exercise · Low-impact workout · Weight loss · Workout · Yoga

How Long Should My Workouts Be?

December 8, 2022 Diane ZiomekLeave a comment

I don’t know about you, but everywhere I see exercise programs advertised there’s always a huge time commitment needed. Let’s face it, we all don’t have an extra hour or three to dedicate to exercise.

Everyone is looking for that “magic number” when it comes to how often and how long your workouts should be. I’m not one to give you a definitive number, because in all honesty, my thought is this: any exercise is better than none.

I’m also not saying go hard for two minutes and then don’t do anything else for the rest of the week, because that doesn’t work either.

5 Factors to consider.

When starting any workout, there are a few things you should consider before you go all in.

Your current state of health. This is something many people overlook when starting an exercise program, and it can have detrimental effects. If you have any health condition it’s always better to consult your physician first.
How active you are now. If your activity levels aren’t high, don’t push yourself too hard right off the start. Not only do you risk injury, but you also risk giving up altogether when you ache for days after. I have been in this position one too many times, which is why I am starting slow this time around.
What you want to achieve. Do you want to be more physically fit? Or do you want to lose weight? Be realistic in your goal and timeframe in which to achieve it. Don’t set a goal that’s impossible to reach, such as losing 20 pounds in a week. That’s not only hard to do, but also not a healthy weight loss. (A healthy weight loss is around two pounds per week.)
How much time you can realistically devote to a workout. If your job takes up 10 hours of your day, plus you have home and family responsibilities, don’t expect to have a one hour workout on top of it all. That’s not going to pan out more often than not. And face it, if you’re that busy you’re going to need to rest at night, not overtax your body.
What you enjoy doing. This is something that’s often overlooked when one begins a new workout routine. Make it something you enjoy, such a walking, yoga, pilates, swimming, or hiking. I like walking and yoga, so I know I won’t stick to going to the gym if I got a membership. Plus, I prefer to do my workouts on my own. Joining a group is not my thing. Do what works for you; not what others say you should do.

Consistency is key.

As with most things in life, we get better results when we work at something regularly. The path to being healthier is no different.

Instead of changing your eating habits or workout schedule drastically, make little changes. Add a few extra veggies to your plate. Cut back on the sweet desserts and try fresh fruit instead. Spend 10 minutes walking in place instead of an hour, and work your way up.

The point is to do something, anything, to get to where you want to be. For example:

Say your goal is to do a low-impact workout for an hour five days a week. That’s great, but if you’re not used to doing a workout for an hour you risk injury (yes, even doing a low-impact workout). Plus you also may find it more of a chore than time taken for yourself. Start with a 10 minute workout a couple times a day, and work your way up to the hour five times a week. Chances are you’ll find the shorter sessions more doable.

Find a time that works for you too. Such as 10 minutes before your workday starts, a 10 minute workout during lunch, and another 10-20 minutes in the evening. With breaking it up you’ve done 30-40 minutes in a day, and given your body the little boost to raise your metabolism so you burn more calories for a longer period.

There’s no set time limits on yoga or low-impact workouts. My advice to you is to do what works best for you. If 20 minutes at a time works, by all means, go for it. If you only have 10 minutes, you’re still moving and raising your heart rate. And as I said earlier, any exercise is better than none.

Move your body, raise your heart rate, and you’ll see changes in how your clothes fit. Be kind to your body, but also be consistent.

My workouts tend to be 10 minutes at a time, and I’m trying to get at least three or four in each day. The motivator is usually when my Fitbit tells me I’ve been sitting in my chair for too long.

What type of workout schedule has worked for you? Let me know in the comments.

Exercise · Low-impact workout · Weight loss · Workout

Low Impact Exercises for a Healthier Body

December 5, 2022 Diane ZiomekLeave a comment

Exercise is a vital component to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and there are plenty of options out there. Low impact exercises are great alternatives for people who can’t engage in more strenuous activities due to physical limitations or age. Whether you’re an adult over the age of 50, someone with limited mobility, or just looking for low impact exercises to add variety to your regular routine, this post will provide insight into the benefits and options associated with these types of workouts.

What are low impact exercises?

Low impact exercises involve less strain on your joints than high impact exercises such as running and jumping. Examples include walking, biking, swimming and water aerobics. These are all excellent ways for people with joint issues or limited mobility to stay active without putting too much stress on their bodies.

This is the main reason I chose to find a workout I can do. Age and knee injuries as a young adult have taken their toll. High impact exercise just doesn’t work for me.

Who can benefit from low-impact exercise?

Low-impact exercise is beneficial for everyone but it is especially useful if you have joint issues or other physical limitations that prevent you from engaging in high-impact exercise. It can also be beneficial if you’re trying to build strength without the risk of injury or strain on your joints. If you’ve been inactive for a while due to life circumstances, low-impact exercise is a great way to ease back into fitness without risking injury by doing too much too soon.

Do low impact exercises burn calories?

Yes! Low-impact exercise can still be effective when it comes to burning calories and building strength. Depending on the activity and intensity level, these types of workouts can help you reach your fitness goals just like any other type of workout. However, because they put less strain on your body, they may take longer than high-impact workouts such as running or weightlifting to see results.

I personally don’t count calories but I do know I burn more during a low-impact workout than I do just walking. My Fitbit tells me how many calories I burn over the course of the day, and the graph gives me a further breakdown on how many I burn each hour. The photo below is from today (December 5, 2022). I burned 1731 calories so far, and the spikes were while I was doing my mini workouts. The lows were while I was sitting at my desk working on my computer.

How long should each workout be?

The amount of time you spend working out depends on the type of activity and intensity level you choose. It’s okay to start with 10 minutes once or twice a day, and go up from there. Any amount of activity is better than none. The goal is to get your heart rate up, and believe me when I say low-impact workouts will do just that. No matter what you choose to do, it’s important to consult your physician before starting, especially if you’ve had surgery, have been ill, or have a medical condition.

Wrapping It Up

All in all, low-impact exercise is an excellent way for people who have physical limitations. Or for those who simply want an alternative form of exercise to stay active without putting excess strain on their bodies. With so many different types of activities available such as walking, biking, swimming and water aerobics, there is something available for everyone regardless of their current fitness level or physical abilities. Plus these types of workouts still offer the same calorie burning and muscle building benefits.

Have you heard of or tried low-impact workouts? Let me know in the comments below.