Count Me In

Monday, August 07, 2023

On my next day off from my part-time job, I’ll resume regular workouts in a gym. My work in a busy tool/hardware department forces me to notice and address some physical weaknesses. I’ve learned it’s easy enough to lift items from the floor, but a struggle to lift something upward and toward a high shelf. Holding onto and lower items from high shelves is also difficult for me.

Upward and downward lifting are key elements in my role, and my coworkers willingly help. But if I’m alone in the department and a customer needs something highly-shelved, it’s my challenge to retrieve merchandise safely. Many customers volunteer to climb a ladder and do the bringing down, but that’s not allowable.

It’s time for routine strengthening exercises and working to improve my arm strength. That’s not enough, however, because it’s a core issue. Everything a body is capable of depends on core strength, and mine has evaporated over the years. A stronger core enhancing back muscles would strengthen my lifting capabilities and straighten my walking form.

Today, I’ll print the upcoming work schedule, identify my first day off, and take myself to one of two gyms (on different sides of town) where I’m a member. Dual memberships allow for quicker, easier access from anywhere I happen to be. That’s one thing, but actually going and doing regular workouts is entirely another thing.

Dear Friends: One’s never too old to address and tackle self-renewal. Diana