Sport and exercise

[Scally]

My son attends the Disability Snowsport UK club nights at Braehead's Snozone every fortnight. He is a really good skier now, and his perseverance and stamina are impressive. The fee is £15, paid through his In-Control budget. As a carer and his taxi-driver, I get in free, and it's the best perk I can think of: a really great way to spend 90 minutes whizzing down the slopes. I also like walking, canoeing, swimming and sailing. What sports do other carers enjoy, and have you managed to get discounts or a free entry?

[tracie]

not really looked at any discounts much ones we have had are football match cinema and travel on trains

[Dancedintherain]

Scally, I only do "softish" activities including Yoga and Tai Chi, please don't snigger lol! The sort of stuff aiming to keep me supple rather than aerobic and muscle building, see? Nope, dont get discounts...so no advice for anybody on that score.
Though I think some leisure centres discount swims for carers and over fifties sometimes. Not for me. Only swim if I am forced to and it's not an elegant sight....though I can float star shaped on my back for hours my swimming is just a joke. Despite my OH encouraging me and him being of supreme patience etc I never really perfected breathing at the same time as swimming. Which, as you may appreciate, means that I don't stand much chance of travelling in water very far. Multi tasking in water not my forte.
At which point I hasten to add I did manage to practice upturning the little sailing dinghy we once had and getting back in. Safely but Breathless!

Doesn't worry me unduly as I have reached the point in life when I only take on the challenges which excite me.

When I have more time..... Will probably get back to some dance type exercise, unsure what sort yet, have to accept my age and limit my ambitions a bit!! or not?
Simply strapped for time at the moment. Seriously strapped actually despite now no longer caring 24/7.

But might treat myself to a wee bit of horse riding in the New year all being well. I enjoy the partnership thing with animals. I didn't put that across well did I?
dream of swim with dolphins? Probably not! And would worry where they had been bred and wot sort of life the dolphins were having, unnatural etc.


And always make time for walking too which is my favourite ..... Like being out in all weathers. Plus dog.
Currently slowing down with a minor foot problem but this shouldn't stop me for long.

oh my, I am in boring mode. Sorry.

Exercise at whatever level is the best thing we can do to maintain mental health, yeah?
And means we can scoff a Mars bar with no guilt.

[Dancedintherain]

Scally, not a criticism it's a genuine question ok?

I know Sport and exercise lies neatly with health but it isn't exactly about a personal issue like a boil on the bum. It's just that this is a subject that needn't be in the hidden members only area.
I am sure you will correct me or sort my thinking out if you happen to drop by again and notice. (Just curious, no Big Deal)

[Sajehar]

Dancedintherain

You mentioned dance. I'm about to re-take up dance classes too. I've tried Zumba, too like aerobics for me... boring!
Might I suggest belly dancing. It's amazing. It's terrific fun, you learn to move your body differently, it's gentle but hard work (in a fun way) you work up a sweat but it's gentle on your knees and best of all... it's so enjoyable you think you have half an hour to go when your hour's suddenly up!
Age and size don't matter. My last classes had ages from 12 to 80, and women skinny to obese. the skinny ones were ace at camel walks (apart from me, but I did a mean vertical figure of eight and snake arms) and the fats ones amazed us with their hip stuff.
If you're worried you'd have to get ponced up in some glittery Hollywood outfit, that's nonsense. Fine, if you do, but keep in mind belly dance is a corruption of beladi (or something) that simply means folk dance.

I reckon you'd love it.

[Gary Thompson_11433939]

hi all

I am... well not obsessed but very keen on hockey (field hockey; not on ice).

I coach too... and it's a vital outlet for me, away from the crap/stress/angst that goes with caring for someone.

Having said that, I manage a mens team and a junior side too, so have to put up with the administrative frustrations of these roles I.e. hockey isn't stress-free.

Love it though - am stupidly competitive (sometimes anyway) and there's not a lot to beat smashing a ball with a big stick as hard as possible Also, I love working with others, especially when things flow and people are in sync I.e. it's great when playing as a team comes together. The social side is vital too, as I live alone with mum and need human contact beyond having carers coming in.

The coaching is an interesting spin-off, as I'm vastly more aware of the intricacies of the sport... not to mention coaching / teaching is an art in itself and a constant challenge.

The best thing though is that when I get pitch-side, despite not necessarily wanting to get up early on a Sunday, I can leave everything behind and typically come back home feeling ok. Obviously the frustrations of looking after my mother surface all too frequently and quickly... but it's a direction at least. Believe it or not, I actually like a nice cold winter's day - blue skies and a bracing breeze reminds you that you're alive.

Also, there's a real physiological benefit too, as when you're physically fitter, you're better at dealing with stress - my lowered blood pressure is the most positive outcome I've found from training and playing.

I also like cycling, which is a great cardiovascular exercise.


Gary x

[Scally]

Scally, not a criticism it's a genuine question ok?

I know Sport and exercise lies neatly with health but it isn't exactly about a personal issue like a boil on the bum. It's just that this is a subject that needn't be in the hidden members only area.
I am sure you will correct me or sort my thinking out if you happen to drop by again and notice. (Just curious, no Big Deal)

Sorry, Danced, never thought of that!
Gary: dead impressed with all that exercise, we'll have you running a virtual keep-fit class in here next!

[susieq]

Scally, not a criticism it's a genuine question ok?

I know Sport and exercise lies neatly with health but it isn't exactly about a personal issue like a boil on the bum. It's just that this is a subject that needn't be in the hidden members only area.
I am sure you will correct me or sort my thinking out if you happen to drop by again and notice. (Just curious, no Big Deal)

Sorry, Danced, never thought of that!
Gary]
As nothing 'private' has been posted in this thread I'll move it into General Chit Chat to open it up more

[Dancedintherain]

Thanks to sajhar, when I have more time I will consider it lol. I see classes in my local area.

Susie thanks for move, looks like it's no problem to Scally.

Gary, I am soooo envious. Why? Cos I am not in the least competitive which always restricted me in the past from competitive sports. Too old now. I did try golf but worried toomuch about those following behind.... So would pick up ball and gallop ahead I.e.i cheated lol

And cycling? Dream about a bike but way too scared of traffic.

[Dancedintherain]

PS Gary OH yes you are (obsessed!) ... Which is great