Concur, but also, bummer.

I was all over the place today. Tomorrow I need to do some plotting and planning before I start doing.

That sucks, I hope you can reschedule for fall!

I made it on the plane. But did not get food, did not use the bathroom, and am sitting next to a dude who reeks of BO. Ugh.

Timelies all!

Went to Toronto this past weekend for FilKOntario. Had no problems getting into and out of Canada, but I am a middle-aged white woman, so your Border Crossing May Vary.

(A number of the Americans at the con were sporting "I'm sorry about the 'President'" buttons. Wish I could have one, but I'm still a federal employee)

I was all over the place today. Tomorrow I need to do some plotting and planning before I start doing.

My day was fully booked out, and while I'm tired now (and my eyebrows are sore) it was a good start to the week.

After my morning Pilates I had a few hours before therapy and successfully whiled them away.

Therapy, however, ran right into my microblade touch up, which was kind of ouchy. She said that touchups often were, and also my skin was more sensitve/reactive/bleeding than last time and she enquired if I was on some new drug. (That would be Ozempic, but I'm not sure if skin sensitivity is one of the side effects.)

Anyway, endured that and once I was out in the cooling SF fog it felt better quickly. I had grand notions of starting laundry, walking to do grocery shopping and wash dishes tonight. But only shopping happened and that was fine because tomorrow is mostly free, so I can play catchup.

I'm tuckered though between an hour of Pilates and 8,700 steps.

This is my last morning in Otter Lake. Heading toward the airport by 11 for a 3:30 flight because the airport is quite a distance. All morning there has been gentle snowfall, which is a nice sendoff. I'll have to take a picture of my niece's crocuses poking out of the snow.

Safe, travels, Laura!

I'm doing some errands this morning, then I am going to make that list I talked about to give myself some focus today.

David, speak more of the Pilates as it progresses... I am intrigued.

I did Pilates years ago and it’s no joke! My yoga studio has a few Pilates classes but I’m scared to go!

David, speak more of the Pilates as it progresses... I am intrigued.

I really like how as a beginner they can tailor your workout to what you're capable of doing.

My friend, Alison, who had done yoga said, if she had an issue doing a particular pose the instructor would say "Okay, sit this one out." But in Pilates there are always multiple ways to work a muscle group and if a particular movement is difficult they will find another way to get the necessary work. So she now knows all the ways to direct her own session with activity that accommodates her myriad shoulder and hip issues.

I love that we do small group sessions so the instructor can come over and give you lots of individual attention to correct your form. They are very patient as they guide you to working your lower abs, for example, and getting you to not use your hips, or push back on your shoulders.

Most of the instructors I work with have gotten advanced certifications in things like Kinesthesiology. They really understand all the muscle groups, and how people compensate - often from injury - in ways that get your body out of whack.

Almost all of the instructors in my studio came to Pilates after significant injury and it became a way for them to reclaim their bodies.

I like that the sessions are one hour, in and out.

I love that after I reach a certain level of training I can just go into the studio and direct my own workouts using the equipment.

I haven't even gotten to the reformer yet, but I'm drawn to the idea that I can work on a machine that will provide some support and guidance for my movements.

Like yoga, it focuses a lot on posture and alignment and breathing technique.

I did Pilates years ago and it’s no joke! My yoga studio has a few Pilates classes but I’m scared to go!

People always say how hard it is, but I haven't experienced that. I definitely feel sore and I've worked muscles I don't usually use, but it all feels very doable. Very controlled. Only an hour.

I have several friends that are almost religious about it - which I know some people find off-putting. But from talking to them, they feel that way because it has provided them with a new flexibility and core strength and often helped them get past serious injuries or chronic conditions.

I'm really motivated to giving my body a leaner, more flexible frame. Hence the combo of Ozempic and PIlates.

I'm turning 64 this summer and I'm already very aware that carrying extra weight is hard on my joints, hard on my back, aggravates my sciatica and is very limiting going forward. I have an idea of what I'd like my body to look and feel like by end of summer and I'm trying to get there.

That's fantastic, David. I am trying to keep what I've got and improve on it. I'm lucky in the joints department so far, and I'm pretty naturally flexible, but it will all fade if I don't focus. Swimming and lifting right now. I could do more with lifting, but right now I'm just giving myself credit for going, and it certainly helps a bit.

They do offer Tai Chi at the Y where we belong. I just have to, you know, actually go try it. If there's enough attention to helping noobs, it should be fine.

Then I just read and saved an article with some manageable agility exercises which are supposed to help stave off the reduced ability to react quickly and, like, save yourself from a fall, etc. that can come with aging. So there's that, too.

OK, I have my list. Here I go...

Swimming and lifting right now. I could do more with lifting, but right now I'm just giving myself credit for going, and it certainly helps a bit.

I forgot to mention they have specific sessions to focus on cardio, flexibility or strength, so I'll probably be doing some stuff with small, free weights going forward. Which I know is one of the most important things you can do for your health as you age.

just have to, you know, actually go try it.

As with friendship, the key to exercise habits (for me) is Proximity. (Not that I don't love and depend on my friends that live inside my computer.)

Back when I didn't have any money I used Kezar Stadium to run because it was right across the street. Finding a studio eight minute walk from my house is huge.

One of my friends said I was lucky it was so close, but it had been there all along and I didn't know until I did the research and found it.

Talking about it with my neighbor, Lorraine, she said, "Oh yes, the Koret Center attached to USF is available for use to locals and it's affordable." That's also eight minutes walk from my house.

So there have been options, I just hadn't done the work to find them.

Anyway, it's not always about finding the right exercise but finding something that's easy to access.