Yes Indeed, I’m Walking…

DSC_1668They say that March roars in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. This year, spring tiptoed in gently like a ballerina on a string of pearls. Climate change granted us a mild February, complete with sunshine and cherry blossoms. Our mountains stood majestically above the coastline barren of the bleached snow-caps that usually swathed their peaks. Skiers and snowboarders were abandoned to find other means to challenge their athleticism on their green hills.

But despite our lack of winter sports, (and impending water shortage for the upcoming summer), this spring has been a blessing. The mild agreeable weather has made it easier for me and my better half to take regular walks. It’s always difficult to find time to exercise during a busy day and even more challenging when you have to dodge sore swollen joints and fatigue. My better half and I have taken advantage of our mild weather and we go out walking every evening (or as many evenings as we can). I do it to keep my joints mobile – he does it to keep his blood pressure in check and we both do it to maintain a level of fitness. Walking is a great way to exercise, especially for those with arthritis – it is low impact, keeps heart and lungs healthy, can help control blood pressure and cholesterol, maintains muscle, and can contribute to weight loss. It’s an enjoyable pastime – we walk, we talk, we appreciate the world around us and we get to escape from the beck and call of a technological world. It takes us back to simple moments – it reminds me of my childhood when the wonder of the outdoors attracted my attention more than the insipid light of a computer screen.

I’ve fallen off the exercise wagon frequently since the arrival of RA. I’ve watched my dance and yoga classes go the way of the Dodo Bird – mainly because my joints can no longer bear the impact. My physiotherapist has taught me several strengthening exercises – so many in fact, I can’t keep track of all the pages she has given me, and so far, I have been unsuccessful in trying to incorporate them into my day. My range of motion exercises, which I do first thing in the morning, has its set pattern, but as for the rest, it’s been challenging trying to fit them in between holidays, family, vacations, work and renovations – basically the dizzying blender we call life. I get lost in time, wondering when I can ferret out a spell to do ten repeats of ten different exercises. Oh sure, there’s the odd time I’m stuck in front of the television and I will mindlessly perform a few stretching movements, but I’m thankful to say, I don’t often find myself in that position.

I’m working my way back to yoga. I’m sure once I can find a design for my unstructured life, I will find the time to locate a yoga instructor that will teach me alternative positions and keep the pressure off my joints; and perhaps, there will come a day when I will return to dance. But for now, I take my daily walks. Walking is simple and flexible. It can be done at any time. You don’t need special equipment, you don’t need to be at a particular place at a particular time, and you don’t need an instructor – all you need is a pair of good quality shoes, maybe a companion, and a camera to remind yourself of life’s beauty and ease you away from the shadow of arthritis for a little while. DSCN1094

 

 

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  1. Wren on April 6, 2015 at 5:27 pm

    Walking really is an excellent form of movement and exercise for those of us with joint challenges. Your walks sound really nice. I tell myself frequently that I must do this too, that I have plenty of safe, pretty neighborhoods to walk through, and really no reason not to except that I just … don’t. Thanks for the reminder, JG! 😀

    • J.G. Chayko on April 6, 2015 at 10:15 pm

      I know what you mean…there are nights and days I just don’t on anything…but I always tell myself to go for it the next day. Hope all is well with you.

  2. Grace (Lynne) on April 7, 2015 at 8:58 am

    Beautiful imagery, JG. As well, you capture and express the inner thoughts of one with arthritis. All that you write is truth to an arthritis sufferer. Activity levels slow down for good reason- the grip and inflammation of arthritis. It’s helpful to read your posts and know one is not alone. Yoga with adaptations is strengthening and walking is beneficial. It is difficult to perform at one’s level prior to the onset of arthritis and that is frustrating. Be well! x

    • J.G. Chayko on April 8, 2015 at 7:28 am

      Thank your Grace for your lovely words. It’s so important for people to realize they are not alone in their struggles. It can feel like it though, because arthritis doesn’t manifest the same way in people but in the end, it certainly is the same beast. I hope all is well with you and yours. X

  3. Irma on April 10, 2015 at 11:36 am

    So true. Walking lets you enjoy the nature around you that you frequently miss as you drive hither and tither. When winter is approaching I always say I will walk in the evenings, but it hardly ever happens. Summer is just too darn hot. So I prefer to bike, and dance, all by myself in the house. Music helps me transcend my earthly bonds while I do it.

    • J.G. Chayko on April 10, 2015 at 8:36 pm

      I love music and dancing too 🙂 I was an active dancer before RA. Even now, in the midst of losing my flexibility, I find strength in music. I had to alter the type of dance I used to engage in before RA. Ballet was my favourite, but too hard on my joints. I turned to Salsa, and love that dance, but have to choose my partners carefully… newbies and the inexperienced can be a bit rough on my joints…but there’s always a new way to enjoy the rhythm. Hugs x.

  4. Elle on April 17, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    You’ve got such great imagery in your words, and the photos are beautiful. Glad you had some relief from arthritis for a bit to enjoy that walk and view!

    • J.G. Chayko on April 19, 2015 at 3:59 pm

      Thank you. I try to get out for a walk every day, even if it’s only around the block. Wishing you well, and hoping you too will find the beauty that surrounds you. Cheers.

  5. Kev on May 10, 2015 at 6:51 am

    Glad you’re gradually working your way back into thing J.G. 🙂

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J.G. Chayko is a writer, actress, and international arthritis advocate who’s been involved in theatre for more than 30 years and has published poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction.