Are You Ready for Summer?
In Focus: Testing some new gizmos that may help you get in shape for summer
Carolyn Desforges
It came as a sudden realisation, just as we were packing for a sunny February break, that I was about to discard my layers of clothes, for summer attire and even a swimsuit! Too late to address that 'blobby' feeling with 2 days to go, but after 10 days of sunshine, walking (slowly) up and down a very steep hill from room to beach and bar several times a day, I began to feel better about myself. I’ve always been an active person, but as my hip arthritis is now restricting my daily walks, my mind has turned to different ways of getting 'summer ready…'.
Getting active in the fresh air improves wellbeing
For me, just being outside makes me feel better. We only have a small garden, but it is enough for me to potter around! My ‘doing’ left leg is the one being affected by arthritis at present, so picking things off the ground is harder than it was before. Sue Kent (now a Gardeners World 'Champion') recommended these leaf grabbers which are ultra-light and great for picking up leaves, grass, twigs etc. (Darlac Grab-N-Lift , available from many online retailers). They make the job easier, and they make me stretch a little too!
If you would like some professional advice about stretching, optimising movement and strength, come along to the join the physiotherapist led, online event on Wednesday 17 May 14.00-15.00. If you have any queries, do contact the Trust office.
If there is anything specific that you would like to see covered in this workshop, please contact Annabelle Blackham on 01480 474074.
Morag shares her experience of using a Cubii GO exercise machine
Morag Noakes has found a way to get moving from the comfort of her own living room. She has started using the Cubii GO. (Cubii GO, Under Desk Elliptical and Bundles, Bike Pedal Exerciser, with Illuminated LCD Fitness Tracker Screen, Adjustable Resistance, Work from Home Fitness, Built-in Wheels and Handle - available from various online retailers)
Morag said, “I found out about the Cubii while chatting with a fellow thalidomider from Canada. She introduced me to the Cubii Elliptical Trainer, and easily available from Amazon, I ordered one. It is so easy to set up. It comes with its own Allen key and my PA assembled it in less than five minutes. Then I was off. Before I knew it, I had done 15 minutes without much effort. I can use it comfortably, sitting in my wheelchair.
"I am currently exercising with Cubii Go for 40 minutes, twice a day. I exercise for three days, then have a rest day. There are several settings to make it harder, so you can work as hard as you like.
"Within two weeks, I started to feel the benefits – my knees were less stiff, I found it easier to reach down to clean my teeth, brush my hair, etc. And I actually look forward to and enjoy using it! It is definitely worth every penny!”.
Find support to get more active or lose weight from the Trust and MeetUp groups
The Trust has a number of beneficiary volunteers who act as Activity Buddies. These volunteers can support you to increase activity which in turn, ease the way in which we feel able to do everyday tasks. Moving actually also helps reduce pain. If you want support to increase your activity, do contact the Health and Wellbeing team on email or 01480 474074.
If you decide those spring and summer clothes feel a little tight, and you want to lose a few pounds, there is a support group who can help. 'Weigh To Go' meets weekly (Mondays 18.30-19.30) on MeetUp to support, encourage and share ideas on keeping those pounds (or kilos) off. Do join for ongoing support, or just as a one off on Meetup or contact the Trust if you would like help to join.
Finally, as we shed shoes and socks for sandals, for those of us often using our feet as hands, we must remember how important it is to look after them. There is an excellent video on the Trust website showing how we can look after our feet.
The forecast for the beginning of April, as I write this, looks like at last we might have some spring sunshine. With a bit of preparation, for me it’s - summer, here we come!
