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Sheryl Kraft

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September 1, 2016

It’s Okay Not to Work Out

Published in: Aging, Cardiovascular Health, Exercise, Fitness, Health benefits of exercise, Midlife, should you skip a workout? Exercise, Staying Healthy, When it's okay to skip exercise

Did you read that right?

If you know me, or read my stuff, you know that I am – and have been for quite a long while – a big fan of exercise. From a very young age, I’ve always been a person who liked movement- whether it be pacing, walking, running, dancing, biking, fitness classes of any sort. Sitting still? Not my thing. (Unless I’m on a beach, or engrossed in a good book or movie. That’s a whole other story.)

And then, when I entered this so-called midlife, that “like” of exercise took on a new dimension and also became a pressing “need.” Movement and exercise was more than just a fun pastime; it was my personal prescription for health and things like blood pressure, stamina, bones and my brain. It fed me with endorphins, helped me sweat out my stress, nourished my well-being and helped keep my weight in check. And, finally, I was beginning to see some tone in my triceps.

It’s tough to ignore the facts, especially when you’re a health writer like me and are constantly researching for articles and trying to keep current on the latest news and recommendations:

From the National Institute on Aging: Regular exercise and physical activity are important to the physical and mental health of almost everyone, including older adults… That’s why health experts say that older adults should be active every day to maintain their health.

Regular exercise and physical activity can reduce the risk of developing some diseases and disabilities that develop as people grow older.

Of course, some diseases and disabilities can occur at any time, such as injuring yourself at work or being involved in an accident that was out of your control. So that’s why I’ve found that it is important to be prepared for any worse case scenarios that you could be faced with. My friend, who is self-employed didn’t do this, and when she found herself injured, she was in desperate need of self employment disability insurance as her injuries were that catastrophic, that she was unable to work for a short period of time. Without having a suitable insurance plan in place, you may struggle to receive any benefits that could help to support you whilst you are off work. I can’t even imagine how awful it would be. That’s why I find that regular exercise is important when it comes to preventing age-related diseases and disabilities.

From Harvard Health Publications: Most Americans begin to gain weight in midlife, putting on 3–4 pounds a year… the loss of muscle continues, which contributes to weakness and disability. At the same time, muscles and ligaments get stiff and tight.

From National Institutes of Health Senior Health: Scientists have found that staying physically active and exercising regularly can help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities. In some cases, exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions.

But there were times – and they seem to run in cycles – that exercise got to be a chore, yet I somehow plowed through, feeling guilty on the days I skipped my workouts, afraid to take a day (or two) off, convinced that all my hard work was turning to mush, right before my eyes. And, over the years, there have been various injuries and surgeries that forced me to step away from the gym.

But, most recently…

Life got in the way. Not just by a day here and a day there but for weeks at a time.

July was a tough, exhausting, hectic, chaotic and crazy month. One of the many reasons was that we moved. It became impossible to get to the gym. I feared I’d become fat, lazy and breathless if I tried to do anything more than lift a fork to my lips (and I was afraid to lift that fork. Would I gain weight? Get fat?).

But I had to give in. I just couldn’t get it all done, and my workout routine had to be put aside – least for the short-term.

So, here’s what happened….

  • I dropped five pounds. (One possible reason: Many of us – me included – overestimate the calories burned through exercise, and we eat more than we actually burned. Because I was not exercising, I was much more careful to watch what I was putting in my mouth).
  • I didn’t become breathless, but rather, found my breath. I was calmer and less rushed, because I was able to devote the time I needed to getting things accomplished. And I found other ways to move, making sure to wear my Fitbit and take some extra trips up and down the stairs and wherever else I could find the opportunity.
  • I (re)-discovered the outdoors and found the fresh air, which suddenly took on a whole different meaning, because I wasn’t rushing in and out of it, but actually staying in it long enough to actually feel it and inhale it.
  • I dusted off my bicycle, pumped up the tires, and rode around my new neighborhood, feeling like I reconnected with my childhood. (Well, actually, I missed letting my hair blow in the breeze, and then wondered, how did we ever survive without these bike helmets?)

I’m happy to say that things have calmed down. Somewhat. (Do they ever really calm down??).

I’ve joined a new gym.

But I’m now not afraid of missing a day – or two or even three.

Because sometimes life does get in the way of working out.

But what’s important to realize is that at other times, working out gets in the way of life.

Because sometimes you just need to surrender. (Getty Images)

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Irene S. Levine says

    September 2, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    Great post! While many routines are great, we also need to free ourselves at times.

  2. Joan Pagano says

    September 2, 2016 at 5:52 pm

    Thank you for sharing this message that being active, centered and alive in nature are fundamentals of good health. We can’t force ourselves into a rigid routine for those times when it simply doesn’t work. (love Irene’s comment above!)
    Regarding the 5# weight loss, while I appreciate that you were monitoring your eating, it sounds like you were also working overtime on the move and there’s nothing like the old “emotional stress” diet to melt pounds away. Not the way we prefer to do it, but it seems to work every time!!

  3. Laura says

    September 3, 2016 at 12:55 am

    Exercise comes in many forms. It isn’t limited to just the gym. I used to be gym only person. Now I still go to the gym, and I also build activity into my day; walking at lunchtime, extra laps at the grocery store, parking farther from the door when shopping., workout videos at home, streaming workouts in my hotel room. I get more activity jumping into it when the opportunity presents itself, whatever I’m wearing, than putting on gym clothes and making the trip to the gym.

  4. Lisa Froman says

    September 3, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    Hey, a new move? That sounds exciting. Hope you are doing well– I am jealous about your five pound lost. Lol.

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About Me

What’s this so-called midlife, anyway?

It’s a time of tremendous change, growth and opportunity. A time to re-evaluate our choices, our experiences and ourselves. A time to take what we’ve accumulated up until now and put it to work.

When I turned 50, many things changed... read more about me.

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speaks realistically about what happens when we approach our 50’s and beyond

I think your website is GREAT!  It's hard to find an online space that speaks realistically about what happens when we approach our 50's and beyond.  Keep writing, and thanks for your support."
Sheryl Kraft
2016-11-29T02:25:43+00:00
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A High School Student and Aspiring Writer from Australia Reaches Out…

I would love to hear a few things on the prospect from a first hand-perspective, and would be thrilled to learn more about it from you. Your advice is well valued and I’m very grateful to have such wise words from someone with such first hand experience.

I will be looking forward to reading more of your wonderful articles in the future!

Best wishes,

Mikayla

 
Sheryl Kraft
2017-01-17T13:37:55+00:00
I would love to hear a few things on the prospect from a first hand-perspective, and would be thrilled to learn more about it from you. Your advice is well valued and I’m very grateful to have such wise words from someone with such first hand experience. I will be looking forward to reading more of your wonderful articles in the future! Best wishes, Mikayla  
https://sherylkraft.com/testimonials/high-school-student-aspiring-writer-australia-reaches/

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Sheryl Kraft
2018-12-07T02:46:56+00:00
On behalf of our entire organization, we'd like to thank you so much for featuring our product in last week’s Parade Magazine. Due to your article, traffic and sales have been great this past week.! We are a small business that prides ourselves on excellent product quality and customer service. We work hard to make quality products and market them effectively but then sometimes you get a gift like your article which really takes us to the next level. We will be eternally grateful to you for choosing us as one of your eye product recommendations.  
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I’m writing to express my admiration for the work you are doing!

I'm a young medical writer trying to get a foothold in the industry, so the portfolio you have on your website showcasing your accomplishments is something that I'm aiming to achieve.

I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I am hoping you can share some advice, tips, or guidance as I work on this, my lateral career change!

Thanks for taking the time to read this - I know you probably have much more exciting things to be doing, but just know that your work is inspiring me to continue down this writing path.

 
Sheryl Kraft
2020-02-14T14:57:09+00:00
I'm a young medical writer trying to get a foothold in the industry, so the portfolio you have on your website showcasing your accomplishments is something that I'm aiming to achieve. I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I am hoping you can share some advice, tips, or guidance as I work on this, my lateral career change! Thanks for taking the time to read this - I know you probably have much more exciting things to be doing, but just know that your work is inspiring me to continue down this writing path.  
https://sherylkraft.com/testimonials/im-writing-to-express-my-admiration-for-the-work-you-are-doing/
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