Achy Joints? I have to admit I have my share of aches and pains from time to time. I was in a car accident a few years back and received damage to my neck and upper back. My left knee has issues from arthritis under the knee cap and a benign tumor on the side. With my specialist and my doctor’s blessing I am able to continue my workouts and my walks. It only helps my body as with keeping my muscles strong it at least gives my body some muscle tone and dulls the pain.

The sun is shining and I did get my sweat going on. I so enjoy my walks. A gratitude in itself that I have two legs that allow me to walk with ease.

What do most people do on cold, short days? The answer usually is “stay inside and stay warm”.  One more “stay” can be added: stay inside, stay warm and stay active.  It seems as soon as the days get shorter, people with arthritis spend three extra hours indoors. Doing what? Sitting around.

When you don’t move, your joints get stiffer, even if you don’t have arthritis. Activity keeps them flexible and strengthens muscles, which acts as support systems for joints.

Hours of sitting messes up your blood sugar and blood pressure, and ups your odds of breast and colon cancer.

Here are a few things we can do:

*Get an exercise bike. It can even be put in front of the tv. I do own a treadmill and use it on rainy days.

*Buy a pedometer. I have used my pedometer around my home just to see how many steps I do in a day. Aim for 10,000 minimum daily. I use my pedometer out my walks. This morning I did 7765 steps. A multi tasked gal that gets much done in my day I know I get my steps in and plus some.

*Wii Fit can be so fun! Bowl, golf, tennis, baseball and all the exercises that one can get to use with their Wii. Burn those calories.

*Order walk-at-home Leslie Sansone’s “Walk This Way” DVD. There are many to choose from, Leslie is my favorite. Great workout!

Yes. Our bodies are meant to keep moving. I do find with being active that it does help me in so many ways. It does makes me feel good!!

I am a morning person and love my early workouts. Great way to start my day with those “feel good endorphins”.