I know you don’t want to hear it and it seems strange to have to say this but RVers need exercise.
How do I know RVers need exercise?
Because I am one of those people who sat in our fifth wheel all winter waiting for winter to be over. I did do a bit of walking – if you can call 30 minutes periodically around the neighbourhood, exercise. I also kept an eye out for some of my neighbours and very few of them were actually doing anything either. Yes, there were a few and I applaud them but for the rest of us I think it’s time we did something about it.
I hate to admit it but I put on a fair amount of weight (well fair made not describe it truthfully) the past year and I always assumed that when we were RVing I would be out and about staying fit and healthy. Not necessarily true.
Improper diet and lack of exercise causes medical problems
I know this too! From experience. Yes, I’m getting older, even though I still think I’m 30, it seems that all of a sudden I have aches and pains I never knew existed. If you’ve been watching the news there seems to be quite a few well known celebrities who have recently passed away and I don’t want to join them.
Don’t go crazy!
It would be so easy (well maybe) to jump in and try to do everything at once – get fit and lose weight. That’s not realistic. So I am starting with a walking program to help me feel better and then I’ll deal with the weight issue. The reasons I chose walking as my way of getting healthier I’ve listed below.
*Walking Can Help You Lower Your Blood Pressure And Strengthen Your Heart
Walking has all sorts of health benefits among them the ability to help lower your blood pressure and strengthen your heart. Many people at risk for stroke and heart disease are overweight, unhealthy and have a hard time exercising. Thankfully walking is an easy, low-impact workout that almost anyone can do. You don’t have to buy any special equipment (since none of us has any room) and you can invite your RV neighbours to join you and they may say yes.
Where to start
Start where you’re at.
Simple. Just put on your shoes and head out. If all you can do is walk for five or ten minutes, start there. It’s more than you probably have been getting currently and it’s a great start. Stick with it for a week and then see if you can add another 5 minutes.
If you can go for 30 minute walk, start there.
Pick up the pace, walk briskly and after a week or two, try to go for 45 minute walks. Or break up your walking workout into 3 shorter sessions interspersed throughout your day.
If you have health conditions
If you have any health conditions such as high blood pressure or are at risk for heart disease, talk to your doctor to come up with a plan that’s appropriate and safe for you.
Getting out and walking will help you on several different levels.
I followed my own advice today and went to a local walking park, making me realise the benefits don’t only include better health – it got me out in the fresh air and sunshine. I was relaxed when I got back to the RV and if I had high blood pressure I’m sure it would have been much lower. But the benefits don’t stop there. If you’re walking around the RV Park you’ll probably meet up with other RVers – another huge benefit.
The regular exercise will strengthen your heart.
Remember your heart is a muscle and going for a brisk walk works out more than your leg muscles. I know my leg muscles got a work out – I can feel them! As you work out your heart, it gets stronger and better at pumping blood through your body. And as you strengthen your muscles and your body overall, you are likely losing body fat. That’s good news!
All it takes is heading out there for a short little walk each day. As you get stronger those walks will get longer and you may even give swimming or riding your bike a try. That’s my intention anyway.
My plan is a healthier diet, regular exercise and losing weight – something I am telling you so I will be held accountable. (Ouch)
I don’t know if you spent a winter like I did. Maybe you were fortunate and stayed active and healthy. Something we also have to remind ourselves – sitting in the truck or motorhome traveling we tend not to get any exercise either. So are you ready to get started? Put on your shoes and go for that first walk. Remember – RVers need exercise too.