I have never been one to do a scheduled, planned exercise routine. Oh, I played team sports (ahem… not well!), biked, and ran laps (or stadium steps) for conditioning. I was a decent swimmer and worked as a lifeguard for a couple of summers. Before band tryouts, I jogged and practiced marching. I was never religious about it, though. (heh heh)

The closest I can claim to having an exercise “plan” was the morning walks with other moms once the kids were on the bus, a stint of doing Tai Chi (not my cuppa), and deep water running (hard to schedule when you work full-time.) I enjoyed a casual hike now and then, mostly when we went camping.

But now. Since I did my kerSPLAT on our patio, I’m an old fart with a knee brace. I’m loving my ice pack and my comfy shoes.

I’m motivated to avoid any surgery as long as possible, so I am trying hard to be consistent in my exercises. Quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Stretches. Clamshells. Clocksteps. A Sexxaayyy new knee brace. And my new friend, the Theraband.

It’s all about muscle tone. Or a lack of it. I’ll never be a body builder or swimsuit model, but I’m determined to get a little more strength in my legs, and eventually my core. I’m learning the smart way to do things (like go up and down the steps with a bum knee). And I’m learning what I shouldn’t do, as well.

When I’m doing my stretches, there’s lots of time to reflect. Let’s face it: unless you’re listening to music or chatting with a friend, you have time to think while you count your sets of 10. Unlike Janice, (“cycling is my passion”), I’m not scrolling through social media or on the phone. Other than focusing on body mechanics and which muscle group is supposed to be worked, my brain has space to work. Yes, occasionally, I’m making a grocery list in my head or thinking about my appointments for the day. And being a pastor, I also ponder the spiritual disciplines that I so easily let slide.

It’s gotten me back to listening to Pray-as-you-go and restoring a little breathing space into my day. Do I bounce out of bed, unroll my mat and start my exercises? (OK, you DO know me, right? You know I’m a “coffee before you talk to me” person!)

No, I’m trying to put in a little quality time with my Theraband so that I make progress. Eating right. Exercises. Stretching. Taking my meds on schedule. One minuscule step at a time…