Sticking it to Walking
I have a desktop calendar that poses a daily question intended to generate thoughts and conversation. Today’s question: “In twenty years, what do you want to remember?” Well, I think I have reached the point in life where in 20 years, I just want to be able to remember.
In a recent blog I mentioned that I am on the cusp of turning 60. I would like to say it is just a number, but it does seem to be on my mind a lot.
It probably doesn’t help that my doctor keeps giving me well intentioned, but what I consider, “older” advice. While I don’t always like to hear what he has to say, I do try to listen. I recently installed a bar in the shower as he suggested.
And, after hearing him mention for at least the third time that I should get a set of Nordic walking sticks, I broke down and did that too.
Honestly, I have seen people out using these sticks, and my most generous thoughts, while they went marching down a sidewalk, were along the lines of “well that looks goofy”. Despite the advertising for these sticks showing young, attractive, Scandinavian women, the actual users are generally much older than me. Apparently, I should be at an age now where I don’t care what other people think of me. I’m not quite there. What’s next? Socks and sandals?
The doctor is concerned that my gait, that has a hitch to it thanks to Parkinson’s, will start to cause pain in my hips and back. I’m already there, but I kept that to myself. He didn’t say it, but I know he was also thinking to the future. I can still walk a long way, but if I’m “off” it can feel like I am falling forward and catching myself with my foot out rather than just walking. With all this in mind, I ordered the “coolest” pair of sticks I could find.
Yesterday afternoon, I tried them out for the first time. I considered waiting until it got dark, but I took a chance that someone I know might see me in the daylight. I did avoid walking by the golf course though. While I felt self-conscious as I walked by people, I didn’t see any obvious looks of confusion or ridicule. If anything, I was just giving a little more room.
As promised by the manufacturer, I got my heart rate up higher than I would have by simply walking, and this morning I can feel my core, back, arms and chest all got a bit of a workout. Each time you swing the poles you engage your abs, which conservatively means you are engaging them 1,000 times per kilometre. They also demand good posture.
One of the other benefits that is listed on the packaging is using Nordic sticks will boost your mood. Taylor and I had a few good laughs about them, so I suppose that is true.
If you do happen to drive by me while I am using my sticks, feel free to stop and share your thoughts. Before you get too clever though, you may want to consider that they have pointed ends.
Stick to Walking!
Published
Originally published at https://shakeitupdotonline.wpcomstaging.com on January 26, 2021.
