My best friend and I made a joint new year's resolution to be healthier.  Leslie and I are both recovering from trauma to our bodies -- she is recovering from major abdominal surgery and I'm recovering from injuries sustained from a car accident.  We have herniated discs along with shooting pains down our legs.  When your body is out of whack, your perspective and motive change towards wanting a fit and healthy body. While misery may love company -- now we're accountable to each other to stay the course -- like everyone else who have the same resolution of getting fit this year.  

We both are determined to get our body into shape.  Meaning, we want to be able to walk a few blocks without having excruciating pain in our lower backs --  not so much being out of breath.   Our main goal is to start strengthening our muscles.  (And Leslie has the same envy as Natalie for Jessica Biel's butt)

During my visit over New Year's weekend, instead of popping that champagne bottle, our time was spent popping her bones and my muscles back into place. 

We found similar back exercises -- some from my previous post-- and added yoga positions would help stretch and strengthen our back. Some of these moves are basic yoga moves that include arching the back and a few kegel and pelvic exercises.  I have a list from my chiropractor.

This week, when I went back to physical therapy, I told James that I was determined with a little help from my best friend. And with that, he held me to that promise and added in more exercises and made me do some weight routines.

FYI: James Murrell is a therapist at RPT Physical Therapy located at 335 Court St.in Brooklyn.

|  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this

• #11 Comment from butterfli56 
  1/9/07 4:40 PM | Permalink

  I also have muscle and joint problems that prevent me from exercising enough to get back into shape. I need to lose 60 lbs, but this is hard to do when you are unable to stand or walk for more than 10 minutes. Any suggestions?
• #10 Comment from laredostars 
  1/8/07 9:19 PM | Permalink

  Hi olbiker 1951...I am a 54 year old harley hen (chick is not applicable lol)
  I was in a bike wreck in 86, was broken in 17 places.I have post trauma Fibromyalgia.
  I am a tad out of shape to about 60lbs worth. My problem is if I over exert my muscles I suffer extreme pain. I live on disability also and $113.00 per month for food budget and that does not get you into the ritz with a private chef. When I read your story...I thought way back when I was rake thin...and at that time my hubby..now EX...called me fatty and I was only 118 lbs..he did this so much that I started believing him, well to make along story short..he's gone. Now I would like to address your comment...You know where you are physically..and you are a big boy now, your decision to stay where you are is fine as long as you are happy with YOU!  I do not mean to be rude here but tell peeps to shove it. I always learned that misery loves company and some people well intentioned or not can't accept a person for who they are and not what they look like. I would not stress about their viewpoints as obviously they can't keep there own nose on their own face..OlBiker if your happy with you may the Creator Bless you. Time for people to stop the judgement insanity. I do not make resolutions I make goals, and mine is to eat sensible and start gentle workout with pilates..as stretching is the best thing for chronic pain suffers. I hope this helps some..good luck in the new year. Drop a line if you need a pep talk later olbiker  Mesarose
• #9 Comment from wirishanne 
  1/8/07 6:43 PM | Permalink

  Hi,  I am 65 years old.  I work out in my basement about 5 times a week.  I'd like to lose about 20 pounds, but due to some health problems have had trouble in that area.  I weight train with 5 lb dumbells 3 days a week, and do aerobic type exercises 5 days a week, spending about 20 to 30 minutes each morning.  Then when the weather is OK my neighbor and walk about 2 miles - trying for 5 times a week.  The clothes I bought a couple of years go still fit OK, but the scales show that I'm overweight.   I try to cut out as much snacking as possible, but have found that I get hungry in the evening.  Any suggestions to help me shed these 20 pounds??
  Not so skinny Lizzie
• #8 Comment from tinkbama 
  1/8/07 1:27 PM | Permalink

  I am 54 years of age and have always had a severe weight problem.  I have spinal stenosis and a worn out knee.  I too have mobility problems.  I can't stand for more than 5 minutes or less.  My legs are weak from the back problems and muscle loss.  I went to physical therepy, but I couldn't do the exercises I needed to build my muscle back.  I have my eating under control now, but where do I start with the physical activity?  Not all of us can afford a personal trainer to work with us.  Many of us in this condition are on disability and just don't get enough money.  I am determined I am going to do this.  The increased weight=much more pain.  We have to start some where and the eating is one thing that I can control at this point.  So I guess that is where I have to start.
• #7 Comment from ro7lin 
  1/8/07 1:14 PM | Permalink

  Hi Eleanor. I have the same problem as you, along with numbness down the painful leg and in that foot. A man, a stranger decided to give me a hard shove while I was going up the bus steps this past early October. I find Physical Therapy very, very boring. I do all the exercises my therapist assigned at home daily and don't see why I should take the bus back and forth every other day. What do you think? Will you be printing your specific exercises? Do you find the chiropractioner helpful? I understand everybodys' frustration here. I have to work at staying upbeat.  Gina