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Post by bobbioh on Oct 24, 2007 18:40:16 GMT -5
DAY 13 - PULMONARY REHABILITATION
I had a real workout today at rehab. I now know that sometimes it is the little things that can make a big difference when it comes to exercising and walking.
I was a bit slow getting going this morning but that is because I ate like a pig this weekend (I really did). I can't just toss "nutrition" out of the window at my own whim because I pay for it later not only in my weight gain but also in my energy level. I got through my warm up on the walking track fine and did my warm up exercises. A lot of people showed up today, and there was only one empty bike available, so I grabbed it.
I still find the bike to be the most difficult of the machines I use. I am still doing 15 minutes on the bike at a level of 6-7. They have not increased that yet for me. I still have to really push it that last three or four minutes. As I may have mentioned before, I still find that rehab is more difficult on Tuesdays than on Thursdays, but I attribute that to the fact that I don't have a good exercise program for myself from Thursdays through Tuesdays. I did complete the bike and proceeded to the Treadmill.
I set the Treadmill as I normally do to 15 minutes at 2.2 miles per hour. When I mentioned "the little things being important", I am referring to today's workout on the Treadmill. I did everything the same except I just decided that since walking at home or when rehab ends, I won't have those handles to hold on to on the Treadmill. So, I took my hands off the handles today, and I walked as I normally would with my hands and arms at my side. It was a lot harder doing it this way. I soon found that I could feel the muscles in my thighs and buttocks pulling a lot....a whole lot. I have always said that the Treadmill was the easiest machine I worked out on, but not today. I have learned a good thing today, and that is that regular walking and regular exercising is not always the same as when doing it in a gym. At home, I can cheat here and there...cut back on my time if the phone rings, etc., but not at rehab. If I stop early, they want to know why. This is a good thing. I won't progress if I don't maintain what I've accomplished and move forward in my workouts. I am not yet at a level that is high enough for me, and I need to be progressing. If I don't progress, then I regress. So, once again I can only say, a lesson well learned.
I did my cool down walk slowly and slowly did my stretches before I left, but I am determined to go forward so that I won't go backward...which will happen. Today was not my "weigh" day, but when leaving I did weigh myself and since last Thursday, I have gained two more pounds. I worked hard to gain that weight. This weekend I cooked a lot and ate a lot. So, for lunch today I had tuna fish on four small wheat crackers, and I don't feel stuffed nor bloated. It's a much better feeling.
I have signed up for Tai Chi class this Friday. They do want me to confirm with my orthopedist and/or physical therapist that it is alright for me to attend, so I will do that tomorrow when I see my physical therapist. I hope I can go and participate. If so,I will post about it and what it entailed. (my pulmonologist already agreed to it, and I will ask my physical therapist tomorrow when I go for arm rehab)
For your information, the gentleman who had the lung transplant returned to rehab today. He was out last week, and we were all somewhat worried about him. He is doing fine with no signs of rejection, and he has increased his speed on the Treadmill.
The hospital where I attend rehab is called Lexington Medical Center, and they sponsor a health program called "Health Directions." One of the courses they offer is Gentle Yoga. After I complete my pulmonary rehab and Tai Chi classes, I don't plan to stop. I am going to look into Gentle Yoga (if my doctor agrees to it).
Until later----Joyce
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