Winter has been kind to those who prefer to be out- of-doors. Our early spring has swelled the number of girls and women I see walking or running by my house.
College running teams often stream past, with 30 or 40 young women laughing and talking. Moms are out pushing strollers or helping kids try a new bike. I often see women in groups of two or three, some walking slowly, obviously carrying on a very lively conversation, while others clip along so quickly they almost shout at each other.
Becoming physically active seems easier when the weather is inviting, but more women are making time year round for physical activity because they hope it will improve their health. Carol Daly, director of the University of Minnesota Elderhostel programs, told me she hit bottom last year after the sudden death of her husband, Peter. "I had been gaining weight as I grew older, but after Peter's death I gained another 25 pounds fairly quickly. My back also really began to hurt and I decided I just had to find something that would work for me. I realized I needed to work with someone one-on-one because I was too embarrassed to be in a group setting or public arena," Carol said.
Carol and I used to work down the hall from each other at the University so she called me for some advice. I suggested personal trainer Sandra Viele, who had inspired me to work on strength and flexibility. Sandra and Carol began working together three times a week in late December. "At first I had trouble convincing myself it was worth the money, but I soon realized I was doing this to save my life," Carol said. "I'm only 57 and I want to have much more time for my grandkids."
Four months later Carol is happy with the dietary changes, which are resulting in gradual weight loss, but she is even happier with the psychological benefits. "I feel like I'm in control. I'm proud that I'm doing something that is constructive for my health. I'm much stronger and can ride my stationary bike for 45 minutes instead of 5 without getting out of breath."
At the moment Carol is recovering from back surgery to remove a cyst, but she's already planning to expand her physical activities because she loves to walk and swim. She knows her new fitness level will make those activities easier and more fun.
Ella Slade, age 65, who has always focused on others in her role as volunteer, board member, grandmother, and homemaker, decided she needed to take care of her own health three years ago when persistent back and knee pain greatly altered her usual activities. Physical activity has always had a place in Ella's life, in part because she attended girls' schools and camps where sports were an important part of the day. " I am a permanent intermediate in many sports, but I've usually stayed active because I know I feel better." Ella said.
When knee surgery became inevitable, Ella also sought help from Sandra Viele. For four weeks prior to surgery Ella worked on strength and flexibility three times a week; three weeks after surgery she was back to once a week. Now she's swimming at the YWCA and riding a recumbent bike three times a week. She says she has reaped both mental and physical benefits from taking time to become physically strong. "I've learned I can do some things I thought were impossible. In getting to know my body again, I have greater confidence. I'm more optimistic toward life."
Angela Danelius was just 27 when she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis; she was also very unhappy with the way her body looked. "I have never been physically active, so I decided doing anything was a step in the right direction," she said. Angela's job is challenging and stressful so she's learned the best time to exercise is right after work. She discovered that the staff and environment at the Sweatshop encouraged her to develop and stick with a program that worked.
Almost two years later, Angela is enthusiastic about the changes in her life. "I'm more confident, self-assured and willing to try new things," she said. "It's a very good feeling to accept who I am, without worrying about weight or achieving some perfect size." Exercise has helped Angela get her disease under control, too; she's more aware of good food choices which have eliminated the need for medication.
"I'm really amazed at how my focus has shifted," Angela said. "I've made new friends at the Sweatshop and this great weather has encouraged me to start running. I've only been doing it for five weeks, but our goal is the Melpomene 5K run on May 1 so that's a good incentive."
Talking with Carol, Ella and Angela reminded me why I believe so strongly in the power of physical activity. All three women feel better physically and they've gained strength, which has helped them recover from injury and disease. More importantly, they talk about the mental benefits of resilience, optimism and self confidence. Isn't that enough to make you want to head out the door to welcome spring?
Click here to email this page to a friend.