Watered Down Exercise
By
Barb Batson
Exercise, like water, is a habit you can’t afford to live without. Stop exercising and before you know it, the ‘move it or loose it’ factor sets in. That’s why when arising after a long restful night it often takes more than a few steps to get the body moving smoothly again. This also happens after an extended sit and is the very reason that a body longs for a bit of movement after an hour or so of chair nap or drive.
Similarly, without water, all the functions of the body slow down both inside and outside.
Take a look in the mirror to see if hair, skin, and lips are full and glowing as they used to be. You may feel that if you are not thirsty, surely this withering, drying phenomenon must be a defect of the mirror and cannot be due to lack of water. Think again and you will realize that over the years nothing about the body is as it used to be
– where’s the vigor, why doesn’t food taste as good, why the twinges in the hinges? In fact, if you check out this article ( www.healthy-water-best-filters.com/dehydration-in-seniors.html
) you will find that seniors lose between 3 and 5 quarts of body fluid over 10 years! When it gets right down to it, as the years go by loss is experienced in many ways – vision, hearing, and memory come to mind.
Try this Watered Down Exercise Quiz from www.sparkpeople.com
During one hour of vigorous exercise, how much does the average person sweat?
A.) One tablespoon
B.) One cup
C.) One pint
D.) One quart
The correct answer: D
This should convince you to drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.
General guidelines to consider:
 Drink 2-3 cups of water during the two hours before exercise and another cup immediately before starting your movement activity.

Keep your water bottle handy while exercising and drink a cup every 15-20 minutes.
 Drink 2-3 cups of water during the 2 hours after exercise
Age, intensity, medications, and core body temperature are among the many factors defining the exact amount of water needed by each individual to stay hydrated while exercising. Consult with your doctor if you feel dizzy during or after exercise, if you begin to feel flushed or overheated, or just not right. Changing your water intake habits may help.
By the way, tap water in your washable reusable bottle is just fine. No need to resort to mineral water, bottled water, flavored water or expensive energy drinks. Bottled water is often no healthier than tap water, but it can be 10,000 times more expensive, says

Emily Arnold, a researcher with the Washington D.C.-based Earth Policy Institute (EPI).
Not only that, but the millions of discarded plastic water bottles are polluting our world.
You may have heard about the ultimate watered down exercise
– aquatic exercise. Not swimming where hair and eye-wear get soaked, but exercise standing in the water. The buoyancy of the water is invigorating, enabling weak muscles and joints to function at their peak with a minimum of impact. And it is especially FUN in groups with the leadership of a trained instructor. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation ( www.arthritis.org
) has a water exercise program featuring gentle joint movement in warm water designed to give relief to those experiencing arthritis pain. Silver Splash the YMCA ’s answer to strength/balance/conditioning water exercise designed with seniors in mind and may be available at no cost Check with your nearby fitness center for more information about class scheduling that works for you or phone 800 500 8905 for help finding a class.
Exercise your prerogative to immerse in a spa vacation featuring water exercise and water relaxation along with other fitness modalities at the Tennessee Fitness Spa located at the beautiful and historic Natural Bridge (www.tfspa.com). This spot features an affordable rustic fitness escape right here in our home state. Or if you really want an exercise experience surrounded by water, you can join those Fun & Fitness Travel Club
(no dues/no meetings) exercise enthusiasts and friends (less active folks welcome to watch) enjoying their hometown exercise class while cruising the Caribbean, Alaska,
New England/Canada, and more aboard a luxury cruise ship. Water exercise, chair exercise, tai chi, yoga, and ballroom dancing are among the private exercise class modalities offered by certified exercise instructor/hosts. Phone 800 500 8905 for
Welcome Aboard information.
Whether you are a faithful exerciser or just thinking about it by checking with your doctor why not fill your water bottle then take the plunge. Begin moderately then increase intensity gradually until you reach your peak. Then perhaps it is time to find a new exercise modality to challenge you. Always select a movement activity that you like and keep at it faithfully. You will be a success if your exercise is watered down
– hydration is the key. Drink plenty of water and keep moving at the pace best for you. Your muscles and every part of your being will thank you – body, mind and spirit.
Barb Batson, exercise specialist, offers active adult aquatic and land exercise classes at several Nashville facilities including Arthritis Foundation programs currently scheduled at Vanderbilt’s Dayani Center. She focuses on group exercise for special populations including MS, PD, arthritis, and fibromyalgia; plus offering activity of daily living enhancing aquatic personal training by appointment; now scheduling home pool sessions. Barb invites you to join her January 31 2010 Fun & Fitness Cruise to Labadee, Ocho
Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel. Check www.fun-fitness.com
then contact 800 500 8905 or barbatson@earthlink.net
today.