In past posts, I have written about the usefulness of various stretches. The importance of these may also be related to a basic level of fitness, which may vary greatly according to one’s age, general physical condition, medical or structural limitations, or simply one’s general lifestyle decisions.
Each of us must decide for themselves what activity level works for them.
Whatever level of fitness works for you, T’ai Chi will definitely prove to be beneficial.What works for one person may not work well for others, and whatever fitness level you require of yourself, you should feel good about it.
My own fitness benchmarks that I present below are meant to be used as one example of many various possibilities. I suggest that you find what works best for you.
You may find my example to be far less, or far more than what your own requirements dictate, but my wish for each of you is that you feel good about yourselves, whatever your personal goals may be.
I consider myself reasonably fit when my daily activities don’t always exhaust me. To facilitate this, I try to incorporate some things that might be considered workouts, and some that are just normal daily activities.
Workout examples range from swimming, walking, bicycling, or gardening/yard work. Occasionally they might include washing or waxing a vehicle, going on a birdwatching (birding) expedition, canoeing, or any of many interesting physical activities, minimally at least two or three times weekly.
It is important to rest if you are ill or exhausted and need time to heal. Don’t overdo it and listen to your body. Rule number one is “Don’t Hurt Yourself”!
Examples of daily activities are a little different. Instead of doing knee bends or squats, I try to get up from chairs without using my hands, and, if able, also to get up from sitting on the ground or floor without using your hands.
If you drive places, you may want to park farther away and walk a little more (a few feet or a few blocks…).
It also Helps one’s fitness level to pick things up from the ground, such as pine cones, things at the beach, trash around the house or outdoors, branches in the path, and so on.
All of these opportunities may alleviate the need to schedule time to work out.
It is somewhat important (but not necessary) to learn the habit of enjoying these activities, and it is up to you to seek out activities that you might be able to enjoy.
Again, Stay or Become Healthy!
Very Best Wishes,
Daniel
