Spending to Save-My Health That Is

I have a confession: For years, I used to write about, talk about, and listen to other people talk about the idea of "free" exercise. 

You know what I mean: you don't need to join a gym. Walk. Run,  If you simply have to, buy a used treadmill (or insert other item here). If you need to spend money, spend it on a bike. Because not only is exercise free, you should be outside instead of in a facility. And anyway, haven't you seen how deserted all those fitness centers are come April?

And in truth, that was my philosophy for a great many years. I live a block off a large bike/walk/jogging path.  Why do I need to go inside. I can find online exercise. In fact, awhile back I shared a whole post (see here) on how I exercised at home using online sources and U-tube aerobics instruction.

As often happens, I have, as they say, changed my mind. Completely. For awhile now, I have been paying $3.50 a visit to my local recreation center. No, it doesn't require a monthly or annual commitment. I pay as I drop in. And yes, I can buy discounted entries in bulk. But neither is it free, and as someone who attempts go to a minimum of 3 times a week and sometimes more, my cost is more than the cheapest fitness centers around, easily.

Note: Before anyone jumps in, my insurance does not cover Silver Sneakers, which is not free as such to everyone on Medicare but is paid for by the supplemental plans-usually Blue Cross, Kaiser and United Health. My federal retiree insurance (and many other federal programs) does not cover SS. My benefits are so great, especially in the drug area, that I have no intent of ever changing just for this particular benefit.

I admire those people who can get up and run in the morning, truly I do. And some of those people will tell me that it just takes time to create that habit. My experience unfortunately was different. I have too many things to distract me at home, and somehow, my intent to work out or walk every week day was left by the wayside.  I NEED a specific time and place to be in order to get my exercise "done". Never mind the fact that I enjoy exercising in a group situation, and will never be installing a heated pool on my property in the near future.

I'm still not a perfect exerciser, although I am getting better. I still excuse myself when the pain is too great, even though I have a heated therapy at my disposal. I still tell myself that it's not healthy to go from a warm and steamy pool situation to cold weather when the winter arrives. Last week I was in the center either three or four days.  This week, however, I've been to an exercise class one day, and plan to go to the pool tomorrow (although I don't want to think about how many painful steps I took on my errand day). And I'm only actually going to class (as opposed to the pool walking ) twice a week because most of the classes are before ten am-a time at when I am neither alert nor responsive.

It's also important to note that I do not "like" to exercise, even walking. Whomever said that eventually you get addicted to exercising never met me. Exercise, even in a heated, relaxing therapy pool is not my jam, if you will. I wish I golfed well enough so that I could consider that exercise. Exercising is something I HAVE to do to be healthy. Just so we are clear, lol.

But I am determined to do as much exercise as I am able (as defined by me). And if it means spending money, committing to a time, and even hopping into my car, it works for me.

Just as my $150 San Antonio Shoes decrease my knee pain and increase my ability to walk extra steps when possible, and my pedicures (now a medical line item because of my lack of ability to bend the knees ) increase my foot health, some spending on exercise is worthwhile when it improves my long term health. Because they all make me healthier, and help lower my medical bills now and later.

At least I hope so.