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I can hear you already, "Yeah, Theresa, that would be great, but who can even get past all the mixed messages? Or even know where to start, much less have fun." Stick with me here, I have some ideas! Obviously, use medical advice about what you can and can't do, and follow that. And if you aren't sure, schedule an appointment, or at your next appointment, ask.  And there are some things to know about medications that you take (that no one probably told you), and you could check with your local pharmacist on that. Here are a couple of examples: Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs and MAOIs, are known to cause joint pain, muscle aches, dizziness, and decreased balance, which can significantly increase one’s risk of falling during exercise. These drugs can also cause excessive sweating, which could lead to dehydration. Be aware that antihistamines can cause dizziness and affect balance. Importantly, they can also affect temperature regulation, which could lead some clients to experience overheating. Both of those quotes are taken from ACEFitness.org, where I am credentialed in fitness. And of course, that's not a complete list, just some examples. Can we get to the fun part already?? YES What do you like to do? If you like to listen to music, then turn some on and get your wiggle happening. Do you like to talk to your best friend? Great, go for a walk together, catch up on all the things. And each of you take a bottle of water with you.  Do you like to garden? That's fantastic exercise. But I only have a patio! Just the act of carrying the water in and out of the house to the patio is some exercise. Can you walk to the local store? Or spend extra time walking around the farmer's market. Go and walk in the local park. Find out what free programs are at the local library and attend; they tend to be very inclusive and beginner-friendly. Older, check out the senior center. Are you more active? Check out your local parks and recreation options. Learn to play pickleball, or even go fly a kite. Hopscotch? (Bonus here, you might have other folks play on your sidewalk out front - and not just kids). What are the things you always wanted to try, used to do, and just stopped, or just don't do often enough? Sure, you might be past the hanging upside down on the monkey bars, but what about a ride on the bicycle?  Become a tourist in your own town and explore. You can even share pictures on your local social media of architecture in town you like, a favorite business, a mural on the wall, or an electrical box. No fancy equipment needed, just you walking around with your phone, and let's be honest, you were bringing the phone along already.
And last one today, many cities now have parks that have exercise equipment in them, which are free to use. No gym needed! Find the things you enjoy in life that get you moving around, and do more of that. It's more than a great start, it's in fact how we live a good life, and how we stay in our own homes, independent longer.
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