A Body in Motion

from Lexi Eddings...

You know the rest..."remains in motion." Conversely, a body at rest tends to remain at rest. Granted this saying originally pertained to Newtonian physics, but it applies to human bodies too.

I tend to remain at rest.

It's an easy habit to fall into. For one thing, my work as an author is inherently sedentary. Then when you add the NSIP, which causes me to only be able to maintain normal O2 sats when I'm making like a rock, I'm even more likely to spend most of my day sitting.

But I shouldn't.

I'm now 7 years into dealing with this lung disease. If I want to maintain any kind of quality of life going forward, I need to force myself into an exercise regimen. My preference is walking on our treadmill. It's better than walking outside because I can remain on a perfectly level course, control a steady pace, and, with summer just around the corner, the benefits of air conditioning are not to be taken lightly.

Before NSIP, I used to go at a respectable 3.5 mph. Now, even using supplemental oxygen, 2.0 mph is my wheelhouse. On a good day, I might be able to eek out 2.5 for a short period of time, but 2.0 enables me to keep my O2 sats over 92 and my heart rate under 110 bpm (requirements from my pulmonary therapist).

When I walk regularly, it's easier for me to keep my sats up for short jaunts around the house. It may not seem like much to you, but being able to walk to the bathroom or out on the back deck without hooking up to my portable oxygen concentrator, helps me feel more normal.

So my goal for the next month is to walk a mile 5 days a week. I'll be sure to report back to you so I can keep myself honest. Thanks for being my monitor!  

What are you doing to improve your quality of life?