Day 21

Well, my foot still hurts so I have an appointment to see the podiatrist tomorrow.  It feels better with rest, but unfortunately since I have to work, it did not get much rest today.  In an effort to keep moving I searched the SparkPeople fitness site for other exercise options.  If you have not heard of SparkPeople, it is a free site that has a diet and fitness tracker with tons of tips, recipes, exercises and community to help you lose weight and be healthy.  I have been a member since 2006--obviously not an active member the entire time, but I keep coming back to it.  Any who, I found a 12 minute seated abs and core workout video that kicked my butt and some seated strength training using 3lb weights.  This is the first time I have worked with weights in a long time.

I talked with my my mother-in-law, Susan tonight and she also suggested a modification for planking that may help take the pressure off my back.  I found this on Pinterest to illustrate via MayoClinic.org.  The link to the whole set of core exercises is here.

This core-strength exercise is called the modified plank:

• Lie on your stomach. Raise yourself up so that you're resting on your forearms and your knees. Align your head and neck with your back, and place your shoulders directly above your elbows. Tighten your abdominal muscles.
• Create resistance by pressing your elbows and your knees toward one another. Neither should move from their positions on the floor. Hold for three deep breaths.
• Return to the start position and repeat.

I will add this to my routine tomorrow.