Crazy, huh? Well, I do not think so. For years I have tripped over small hand weights or huge bars. Then, I discovered the exercise resistance band.
I do not profess to be an expert on the use of these bands, but I do love mine. I’m sure I was among the last to discover them, but a few years ago when my husband was in the hospital the occupational therapist introduced him to resistance bands. Of course, I had all but moved into the room to keep an eye on my husband.
Days get long when you are sitting with someone in the hospital. My husband was there for three months, so I had read every book on my “got to read this now” list. I was bored to death with the television. How many times can you watch reruns? And, after the first few weeks I noticed that I was gaining weight — not so much at first but it was a steady process. I was getting no exercise unless you count walking from the hospital room to the hospital cafeteria.
One day I was watching the therapist instruct my husband. Before he left we chatted about those interesting little lightweight bands. The next day the therapist arrived with two lengths of bands for me and a print out of exercises. I thanked him, but let’s face it I wasn’t going to turn the hospital room into a gym. Well, that was not my original intention.
However, as I said, days are long when you are sitting in the hospital with a patient. And, what is interesting is that the patient can sleep almost all day and no matter where you perch you can’t get a wink of sound sleep. I think for the first time in my life I began to get a case of depression. I kept looking at the orange band. In fact, it took me three days to actually pick it up and see if I could stretch it.
Since the day I first tugged on a resistance band, I have not been without one or more. I even carry one in my purse. They are wonderful! I work out with them everyday now. You know at 60 your triceps begin to look like wings flapping in the breeze if you are not careful.
Well, I have added the resistance bands to my daily activities. Perhaps, I thought about them more than usual this morning. It was time to buy a new set. They do eventually wear out. But, for $7.00 where can you get a better workout program?
So, today I am really thankful for the resistance bands — and to the occupational therapist who introduced them into our lives.
