Time to move . . . my feet

I just had to share this photo which was on the Bedford County Schools Facebook page today. Check it out. Lot's of good stuff about schools and kiddos on there.

While writing a story today about how Shelbyville Recreation Center pools are closed, due to renovations and overdue inspections thereof, I suddenly began to realize I'm off my game with exercise.

I love to swim in pools. You do exercise every muscle. Time, however, has not been in my favor the last couple years to do that.

Those reading my blog need to send me reminder messages this summer-Dawn, are you swimming, yet?

While we do venture out to the lake, I'm not a fan of paddling around in lake water. I love to ride, though. At least I get mental relaxation that way, even though I usually take my camera along.

Ever since completing my basketball bouncing days at Community High, I've tried to stay involved in so me sort of physical activity. It seems to have helped me over the years maintain fairly good immunity and healthy bones.

When I attended Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, I was a part of the Intramural volleyball team. Back then, we also walked a lot on campus. That was definitely the case when I attended Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro; you walked EVERYWHERE! I used the track at Murphy Center a lot then and even took some karate classes. If you want a complete workout, I recommend doing to join a local dojo.

I later had a child, which as everyone knows is the best exercise around, chasing a toddler, that is.

I've also worked in children's ministry. Just going to camp for a week in late July with hundreds of kids is exercise. You're sure to shed a few pounds. During those years I wrote a children's health program titled, "Spirit-Fit." It was a lot of fun to see the children learning about exercise and good health, while learning also about such things as spiritual gifts. (See the New Testament.)

I continued to walk several miles through the years around my neighborhood. But these days, walking near woods alone is a little scary, so I backed off a bit. It's hard to get on schedule with any of my neighbor friends too.

I joined a woman's health club a few years ago. The company closed the business a couple years later. I will say weight-bearing exercise, if you can do it physically, is good medicine. Moderation is the key, which is difficult for us.

Then, it was time to dive into a few step classes at a recreation center. I realized one day I wasn't 20 years old any longer when the plank became more of a plunk. I had to recover.

The thing about being a writer, is that you sit on your gluteus maximus muscles, A LOT. Though we're running here and there on assignment, there is a fair amount of having to sit behind a computer.

I do have three active grandchildren now, so I'm looking forward to summer, especially since they can all run pretty fast now. We have some beach plans in the future, I hope, as walking in the sand and picking up shells is some of the best exercise too. Again, time . . . Isn't that the issue for us all?

The Shelbyville Parks and Recreation Pool will be back open very soon. I just hope everyone will be patient with the staff and the city. The repairs were needed, no doubt. I know it has inconvenienced a lot of people on strict exercise regimes, though. I feel for you.

O.k. I guess it's time to take out a gym membership of some sort for me. Least ways, I can walk down my road and pick up the trash left from disrespectful passers-by until I do.

Diet may be where I sometimes really fall short in health. We had to celebrate several January birthdays at work today. I failed health 101. Too many delicious brownies.

I'm reading an interesting book right now about the KETO diet. I think this one does have more merits than possibly others, though I do like the idea of star Jennifer Anniston who eats within an 8-hour window and fasts the rests. She also drinks plenty of water. That's a key!

I have pretty much given up colas, which is something I did as a New Year's resolution many years ago, mainly to rid the sugar. I do enjoy a light cola from time to time. That's it, moderation.

I'm open to any ideas from readers who might have found a safe approach to diet. Let's hear what works for you.

Check out our “Inspire Health” magazine which came out Thursday in the Times-Gazette. It's full of great information on how to stay healthy this season.

Here's your weekly sunshine:

Put one foot in front of the other And soon you'll be walking 'cross the floor.” (From “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” cartoon. Yes, I'm already counting the days to next year!)