A well earned break.

Rest, we all need to rest.

I have been told to rest my foot as I managed to over exercise a metatarsal joint! No idea why or how, the podiatrist said it I was doing just too much. I suppose trying to do 10,000 steps a day and having 50% of my time ‘active’ was unrealistic! Thankfully, this happened just as we broke up for the Easter break. My Fitbit is not happy, no green screens saying congratulations you have stepped your steps, but it doesn’t matter as my bones are more important than electronic rewards!
 
Talking of podiatrists, did you know May was Podiatry Awareness Month so please make an appointment and get your feet bio-mechanically checked!
 
Rest is just as important as exercise as it gives time for your muscles, nerves, bones, and connective tissue time to rebuild.
 
Every time you work your muscles, stretch that bit further or put a bit more effort into it you create microscopic tears in your muscles. These are not the same ‘tears’ as when you strain, sprain or pull a muscle but these small tears are part of the muscle building process. The body uses protein to repair the muscle so it is stronger than before. This is why I tell my class members to have some protein  after class a tuna or chicken sandwich or an egg.
 
Rest gives time for inflammation to reduce, for the ligaments and tendons and the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones to recover.
 
But, it takes about 2 weeks of non-activity before your muscles start to lose strength etc, which is why going out and about, doing the garden, visiting friends or walking round the park is more than enough to keep the muscles in tip top condition and ready for class. I have been digging the garden,
 
But rest is more than allowing the muscles to build strength and aches and pains to subside, it is a time for the whole body to completely relax for seeing friends as well as dental and doctor appointments. I have squeezed so many meetings and appointments into my 2 weeks I need a holiday!

On Wednesday I visited the Archway and District Carers' Group who offers help, support and information to informal Carers (who are caring for disabled family members, partners or friends), a place to go and rest, where people, who become friends, share thoughts and ideas, laughter and tears with other Carers in a similar situation. The group is run by a volunteer, who organises speakers, exercise sessions, massage, and occasional teatime outings. They are an inclusive group, meaning that no-one is turned away. I did not know who would be there so with my bag of bean bags and assorted music I delivered a session that made everyone forget their worries, aches and pains and at the end everyone commented on how easy it would be to incorporate a few exercises into their day. ​We had such a giggle as getting it wrong is always part of the class plan. 
 
So, however you are spending your Easter break and bank holiday weekend, have a restful one, recharge your batteries , see friends, get out and about and be ready and invigorated for a new term.