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| The loop at home. Remember to bring the "bags"! |
I am so annoyed but thankfully laughing at the same time. Just around wake-up time, or just before then when I am in a deep sleep, there is a cold moist black nose that very gently lets me know he is there. I don't want to wake up yet and so want to go back to dream land, but I have Scout. This big furry thing blinks his eyes at me and I realize I have to yank my stiff body out of bed and get moving. Everyday it takes me a while to get my joints started. He understands and waits. He seems to intuitively know when I need to move.
That is why I am so big on exercise. We can all do it. Pain eases through gentle movement. Yoga helps so many as does Pilates with a good instructor who understands your needs. With a dog, there is the obligation to walk. At our cabin, we have a designated "poop loop". It is a half mile and our dog does his "business". But the best part is this: even though I may not always wish to be the walker, I am so glad that I did the "loop". Poop bags aside, just to get moving is the bonus.
Walk around the block, 15 minutes, 1/2 mile: about 50 calories burned
1/2 hour Pilates, general workout or 1/2 hour stretching hatha yoga: about 70 calories burned
- Kim Fielding
