Thursday, May 7, 2020

Walking Songs #1

Since my physical therapist introduced me to using a rollator more than three years ago, walking with it has been my primary source of exercise.

It gave me more freedom and independence. But eventually my enthusiasm diminished. Unless we were traveling or walking the beach or some other area away from home, I was mostly bored. 

I had been counting my trips up and down the ramp from our entry-door landing to the end of the ramp and back again.

Or when weather was too cold, too hot or too rainy, it was around and around inside our downsized home. I also tried setting a timer. But eventually those strategies got toooo boring. 

My distance decreased as my enthusiasm and stamina waned. 

Then in a flash of brilliance--okay, it was really a spasm of frustration and desperation--I tried another strategy. 

I had been reacquainting myself with a couple of favorite hymns from my teen and early adult years. I had only relearned the first verses of a few, but I tried belting them out as I walked.  

Wow! Energizing! I added more songs. I have never been good at memorizing, but I persevered. 

Each additional song also upped my time and the distance walked. Now sometimes I even do two miles a day counting both rollator time of walking for exercise and rollator time doing regular activities like chores or, guilty sigh, getting snacks. 

The walking prepared me for a July 2019 camping trip where I even made it up to three miles in the campground one day. 

That has happened just once, though. I haven't hit even close to that target since then but that possibility is still calling. 

Of course, I am discreet about where and when I belt out my songs. The same hemorrhagic stroke that zapped my left side also affected the muscles for breathing. In conversation my voice is acceptable . . . I think. 

A generous description of my singing, though, is "a joyful noise." In reality it is a disturbing croak. 

But issuing forth with that joyful croak has renewed my enthusiasm for my walking helper, christened Rolly the Rollator with the help of some fellow bloggers. 

Bye for now. I have to go make some noise.


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13 comments:

  1. what a super idea! i thought you were going to say you started walking listening to music. this is even better. i am doing the things you are doing but without the rollar. trying to keep from needing a rollator

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    1. Good for you. I'm convinced we have to keep moving or lose our mobility.

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  2. How wonderful, this is very creative! I am so glad you are doing so well!! I like to do housework to music.

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    1. Sounds like you are a good multi-tasker. When I listen to music that is all I am able to do. Been that way since teenaged years. Almost flunked one term of algebra II cause I was doing homework listening to music.

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  3. You have inspired me to also try that joyful noise to get moving. I just have to be careful where I belt out the tunes.

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  4. You are making my heart sing Linda !!
    Praise is the best healer...doesn't His Word say so??
    Sing to the Lord a new song...
    Sue

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  5. That sounds lie a wonderful way to fill the walking time.My singing voice has all but left me and now I sing in my heart.

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    1. "Now I sing in my heart. What a wonderful way to face challenges and keep singing!

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  6. I call it a joyful noise. It is a joy that you have found a way to keep yourself walking. I find when I'm listening to music when I walk I go a greater distance and have more fun doing it. Take care!

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  7. Oh, I am sure your singing voice is better than mine...and mine has never been any good. The only place I ever sing out loud is in the car by myself, or used to be when I was working by myself, out by myself and that with my machine running.

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  8. Dear LC, I need to Google what a rollator is. The enthusiasm and pure joy expressed in your words came through in this posting. Thank you! Peace.

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  9. I've been listening to marching music as I walk around and around my apartment, but after reading your post, am feeling inspired to start belting out some songs.

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