Month: October 2024

Major spoilers ahead.

The Love is Blind reunion confirmed whether Ashley Adionser and Tyler Francis were still together

She’s not only a hot girl, she’s rich too.

There was no time for a blow dryer. For the past few weeks, my hair has been in braids anyway.

The hours of sorting, packing and otherwise running errands for my upcoming move from Ashland to Austin left me, most days, in desperate need of a hot, soapy shower. My look had definitely morphed to Grandma Clampett, sans the shotgun.

While taking a break one afternoon from the physical and mental gymnastics that only a cross-country move can produce, I took the time to read an article about a 58-year-old actress who was ‘rockin’’ a swimsuit.

Gag. Yes, she looked pretty, and yes, in my fragrant and unkempt state, I was a little jealous. But then I remembered that even at 30, I never looked that good in a swimsuit.

Advertising feeds us a steady diet of what physical beauty is supposed to look like. As I finished the article, I found myself wanting to say to the actress staring up from the glossy pages: “Sure, you look good in a swimsuit, but can you carry 60 full banker’s boxes down from your attic by yourself? ‘Cause I just did!”

How our bodies look to anyone else hinges on relative opinion. Beauty is so much more than how we look. Showing up for myself and others is beautiful. Health is beautiful. Gratitude is beautiful.

A Changing Body

Here in the U.S., we talk a good game of diversity, but too often, that diversity is not reflected in our advertising. Quite unfortunately, advertising is a type of cultural mirror that sends the message we’re not firm or thin enough to be worthy of advertising to.

Instead, the 40-something model is paraded around in the swim dress that we want to buy, and, for most of us, our bodies stopped looking like that a few decades ago.

Redefining Beauty

Beauty is not airbrushed. The size of your thighs is not a measure of your worth. What is beautiful about age and aging is an acceptance of the realization that this body is temporal, and the soul is eternal.

Be Proud of Your Wrinkles

Wrinkles are like an album of where we’ve been. They tell a story. Crinkles around the eyes show how much you’ve smiled in life. Hands with veins that look like gnarled roots have played a musical instrument, have washed a thousand dishes, have applauded friends and knit sweaters.

These are the markings of a life well-lived, a life well-loved. We belong to the tribe of the heart now.

Beauty Turned Inside Out

Eyes are the windows of the soul. It’s the light that shines from them, not the eyeliner around them, that creates beauty. A smile is beautiful at any age. Being honest and kind with yourself is beautiful. The well-appointed woman wears gratitude like a classic black dress – always perfect, regardless of the occasion.

The Quality with Which We Love

When I am finished with this move from Oregon to Texas, I’m sure that I will look a little ragged around the edges. I intend to pull on my swim dress and head up to the neighborhood pool.

I will feel the joy of water and sun and warm air and won’t care if my skin is saggy, or that a pronounced vein is climbing like a vine up my right leg.

At the end of the day, I think I’d rather be remembered for my courage, fierce independence and the occasional great hat. When my life is over, I hope I’m remembered for the love that I gave. Now that’s beautiful.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What makes you beautiful in your own eyes? And what makes other women beautiful to you? What qualities take beauty out of the superficial? Let’s all share our stories of beauty in courage, independence and self-respect.

I wasn’t particularly enamored with rebounding the first time it arrived on the fitness scene in the early 80s. I was in my 20s with limber, strong, healthy knees, hips and spine and it all seemed rather silly. But now decades later, after a few disturbing “as we age” diagnoses, I understand the genius of the design.

Research Shows

There’ve been numerous studies on the benefits of rebounding with results ranging from superior oxygen consumption rebounding as compared to running on a treadmill, improved coordination and balance, and improved muscle tone and strength.

What I Found to Be True for Me

From my personal experience using it daily for the past five months, I noticed my sense of balance seems to have greatly improved, which is reason enough to continue. But I’ve also discovered other very encouraging benefits including relief from knee pain and strengthening of a formerly wobbly ankle. It also seems to help clear my morning brain fog and nasal/bronchial congestion.

Making a Selection That’s Right for You

I bought my rebounder after a pretty rigorous review of the dozens of products on the market. Apparently, I’m not the only actively aging woman who needs to protect her joints from the damage of running and jumping on hard surfaces. Rebounding is now trending, with over one million sold in the US this past year alone.

Things to Consider

As with any fitness program, it’s essential to evaluate the equipment carefully to ensure safety and limit the risk of injury. These were my priorities:

Handrail Bar

A stability bar is essential for me. I don’t hold it the entire time I’m working out, but on those occasions when I’m feeling a little less strong or coordinated, it’s reassuring to have it available. I made sure it was securely attached and was sturdy enough to support me if I needed it.

Number of Legs

A rebounder with six or more legs is much more stable. The earlier models had as few as four and were notorious for tipping. I bought a model with eight legs.

Bungee Material

I looked for strong rubber bungees that were placed close together and had a protective cover to prevent a misplaced foot from slipping between them. The closer the bungees, the more resistance and the better the workout.

Workout Area

I opted for a 40-inch jump zone to be sure there was plenty of room for me to bounce without getting too close to the edge. It takes up significant floor space, but I chose a model that folds up to be stored out of sight. Although, I leave mine set up to encourage me to use it.

Leg Height

I also followed a suggested recommendation to be sure the rebounder surface is a minimum of nine inches off the ground. The platform is designed to give under impact but should never hit the ground, also I made sure it had adequate capacity for my size and weight.

Start Slow and Listen to Your Body

When you start rebounding, it’s important to take it slow. I found the first few times I used it, I was a bit woozy after only a few minutes. My vestibular system was not used to that sort of movement, so I gradually increased the amount of time and the enthusiasm with which I rebounded, and I quickly adapted.

Working Out Became Fun and Boosted my Energy

The other reason I use my rebounder regularly is it boosts my energy. I rebound in the early morning, and I feel so energized after my workout. I play upbeat dance music, (think Pointers Sisters’, Jump!) during my session and enjoy incorporating dancing into my workout.

All in all, I find rebounding fun, approachable and a safe way to maintain my fitness, keep my body limber and get in a low-impact cardio workout. I can easily see myself continuing this routine long into my later years.

If you decide to give it a try, just start out slow, stick with it, have fun and enjoy the benefits of taking care of your body.

What’s Your Take?

How willing are you to try a new exercise routine? What would it take for you to stick to it? What equipment do you use currently and how did you choose it?