Community Chat

[Desert Lily]

I quit doing my exercise routine at home in August. I sold my house last summer & thought I'd be moving then, so I packed up 90% of my belongings. I've been living with stacks of packed boxes in every room except the kitchen & my bedroom.

But, my BFF injured her knee while walking in a parking lot a couple weeks ago, and that inspired me to start exercising again.

I push boxes out of the way now before and after my power walking, leg lifts, arm exercises, etc. to albums by the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Carol King... I did this routine for about a week & then found myself doing cool down moves that I had learned as a child in dance class (I took ballet & pointe for 11 years). I went online to watch some ballet for seniors on Youtube for a variety of ending moves.

My barre exercises happen while I'm holding onto 1 of the boxes. I don't do the kicks, back stretches, sauter, & some others. But at the end of my regular exercises, I like the control &  grace of the gentle ballet movements that give me a cool down, some stretch & might increase my balance. I can almost hear my old ballet teacher beating her cane on the wooden floor in rhythm to the piano and telling us to keep our heads up, toes pointed, and hands in position.

It feels good to exercise again, & I gain a sense of peace while concentrating on simple ballet moves - perhaps not unlike yoga. Looking back, I think I've been depressed, and if not depressed, then truly stressed during these challenging times.

I expect that as my exercise routine continues to evolve, so will my peace of mind.

[Oznell]

That is fabulous, @Desert Lily ,  that you've rediscovered your dance routine.  I used to love barre work too, although I didn't stick to it nearly as long as you did.

You make me want to dig up my old, battered little pink leather ballet slippers...

You make such a good point about stress and depression.  Hope you continue to enjoy your routines and reap maximum benefit.

[Skyegirl21]

I recently used  a CD by Mary Helen Bowers (ballerina) to rehab a hamstring injury and it worked successfully! She has workout videos (and an app I think), all ballet workouts, that are great!  It is low impact, very relaxed, and easy if you have taken any ballet at all...  But you have to be in somewhat good shape to do them. I love ballet and applaud you @Desert Lily !  Go for it girl!  Thanks for sharing- 💝👏🏼👍🏼

[LTT1]

@Desert Lily 

Congratulations! For continuing to exercise!

I agree with everything you have written! ❤️

[BirkiLady]

@Desert Lily  Doesn't it feel good? I've been doing barre exercises for years. Like you, I took ballet and toe for many years as a child and teen. Have never really given up my love for its beauty as well as how graceful and trim my body has always been. 

Nice of you to help your friend, too. Stay well and enjoy your holiday! 

[Karie2022]

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@Desert Lily wrote:

I quit doing my exercise routine at home in August. I sold my house last summer & thought I'd be moving then, so I packed up 90% of my belongings. I've been living with stacks of packed boxes in every room except the kitchen & my bedroom.

But, my BFF injured her knee while walking in a parking lot a couple weeks ago, and that inspired me to start exercising again.

I push boxes out of the way now before and after my power walking, leg lifts, arm exercises, etc. to albums by the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Carol King... I did this routine for about a week & then found myself doing cool down moves that I had learned as a child in dance class (I took ballet & pointe for 11 years). I went online to watch some ballet for seniors on Youtube for a variety of ending moves.

My barre exercises happen while I'm holding onto 1 of the boxes. I don't do the kicks, back stretches, sauter, & some others. But at the end of my regular exercises, I like the control &  grace of the gentle ballet movements that give me a cool down, some stretch & might increase my balance. I can almost hear my old ballet teacher beating her cane on the wooden floor in rhythm to the piano and telling us to keep our heads up, toes pointed, and hands in position.

It feels good to exercise again, & I gain a sense of peace while concentrating on simple ballet moves - perhaps not unlike yoga. Looking back, I think I've been depressed, and if not depressed, then truly stressed during these challenging times.

I expect that as my exercise routine continues to evolve, so will my peace of mind.

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Wonderful!! It's amazing how good we can feel when our bodies are doing something we love as opposed to something we 'should or have ' to do...,Makes all the difference. I too have been depressed, I think sometimes that's hard to admit. I'm actually meeting with a therapist tomorrow and have joined an over 50 ladies gym...sometimes just getting started and making that first move is just what you need to get on a better path.

[phoenixbrd]

@Desert Lily   What a beautiful and inspiring share.  Congratulations for making a change in your life that will benefit you on so many levels.  I, also, enjoyed the contributions of the other posters.  Uplifting thread

[AngelPuppy1]

@Desert Lily 

Your post made me smile!  I love the little illustrations, too!  How great that you are getting into it again.  I always wanted to take ballet but never got to.  However, I admire the grace, strength and beauty of ballet dancing.  I have tried in the past to do many ballet steps and stretches, some more successful than others!  I applaude you for your efforts!!!  

[PilatesLover]

Good for you!  Thanks for posting.  I've been meaning to try some of those ballet/barre classes on YT.

[ECBG]

How creative!  Congrats!