THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: fitness


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Hoop it up

This is probably what I need. Strengthening my core is certainly something that could use some improvement. I remember hula hoops from my youth. This device looked a little different.

Recently I tried a hula hoop at my grandson’s birthday party. I failed after a few attempts which made me think I’ve either lost my coordination or have really poor hip control.

A person practicing hula hooping on grassy land near a calm river, surrounded by trees and rocks.
Lake Elkhorn Columbia MD. Photo by Mike Hartley

All of this points to the need to challenge myself a bit more physically and get my muscle tone and coordination working a bit better.

Yesterday I got a good bit of physical activity. A little walking and some strength training at home. Let’s see if I can keep this going again today.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • There is a lot to be said for making your own schedule. I’ve noticed some people are troubled by it.
  • Companies that eliminate work from home are shorting themselves of good people on purpose.
  • To the kid who passed me on the shoulder on a motorcycle less than a half mile from the Ellicott City police station doing at least 55 in a 35. Dumb shit like that is going to get you killed.
  • And why are doing a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia?


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Un-routine

How can you build a regular fitness routine? – Now there is a very good question.

It’s a question I have yet to answer successfully. One I work on each year, but the plan usually gets out of sync at some point and doesn’t recover.

Routine is the problem. Nothing about the timing of my life is routine. My sleep schedule is all over the place. And there are days my body isn’t up to it. So, I’m not even interested in building a regular routine.

I’m in better shape than I’ve been in for years in terms of my weight. I’m probably 10 pounds away from ideal weight and I’ve been there but the lack of exercise the last few weeks and a few more cokes here and 10 pounds magically appear.

I’ve made walking more a part of my life because I made it a priority. Not because of any routine, but because I do it when I get the feeling or opportunity. And that can be any hour of the day or night.

I’m not a gym person. I’ve got some small weights at home. I gave away my bench a few decades ago. I get a lot of exercise taking care of things around the house and yard. And that is physical work. And I’m trying to stay limber and stretched.

There are the grandchildren also, which is very physical. That part really isn’t fair. The older I get the heavier they get so lifting them with the same energy doesn’t do it as time goes along. So, I guess I should get busy with some more strength training because if I’m lucky enough to see them graduate in many years down the road, I’d still like to lift them off their feet as I do now.

A man walking barefoot on the beach, holding a child, with waves in the background.
I don’t remember my children being as heavy as my grandchildren. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Feeling It

Feeling It. The “It” being my age. I’m in better shape than I’ve been in for at least 2 decades. The trouble is I sometimes pay a price for physical activity. Not all the time but often enough it makes me want to cut back. I don’t push myself hard each day and never when I’m already in pain.

I’m conflicted because sometimes the exercise leaves me feeling better. And I know it’s good for my overall health. I guess I have to work on techniques and the proper exercises and listen to my body a little better.

Some days I’m as bright and flexible as these flowers. Other days I’m like that stone they are encased in. Right now stone is winning.

Finding the bright spot in the day. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’ll give it another go later after some more treadmill time. I should wait till the system can replace the 4 tubes of blood they siphoned from me and work out later.

Maybe I should have started with the core instead of with the extremities.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • It’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. Even with one that isn’t 100% anymore.
  • Anthonys Pizza and Pasta House in Clarksville is one of my go-to Italian places from now on.
  • I’m blessed to have such supportive children.
  • Time for baseball season to get exciting.
  • I’m incorporating more learning into each day again. I was getting lazy there for a bit.


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Fitness

How often do you walk or run? – A physical fitness survey by the Daily Writing prompt.

I try to walk daily. Yes besides from the bed to the fridge.

I didn’t used to, I was pretty consumed with work and didn’t take care of the physical aspects as well as I should have the last 2 decades.

The treadmill has gotten more use this year than the last several put together. And I’m getting out more now and I hope to increase that.

Running is a little bit off. I like the walking because I can mix the photography with that. Plus the strain running puts on the body. I wouldn’t mind running some basketball but that is about the extent of the running I’ll do.

Photo by Mike Hartley


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Exercise

It’s so easy to stray from exercise for me. Not that I don’t get some each day, but I rarely get what I would like to. So I have to look for ways to get more exercise and also spend time doing fun things at the same time.

Bikes came to mind. We loved riding them at the beach in the off-season at Bethany Beach and our friends in Kent Island.

I’ve been thinking about getting bikes for my better half and myself.

And then I went to a bike store and found out, many cost as much as a car.

Photo by Mike Hartley

We will get some but they will be plain bikes, I’m not spending thousands of dollars on a bike. Now I will spend money on a comfortable seat.

But in the short term walking is what is in. Time on the treadmill and with it getting nice outside it’s time to walk and discover. I think I’ll take a long walk with my better half today.

And walking with my camera is a good way to get it back in use. I’ve been wanting to document a lot of small towns in the state.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Each day it’s noon before you know it.
  • I don’t know about March coming in or going out like a lion or a lamb. But it’s flying by like a falcon.
  • My better half has agreed to help me declutter. This is either going to be painful to me or frustrating to her.
  • Allow yourself some treats. Taste some, see some, feel some, and experience some.