GOD KNEW I NEEDED YOU

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

SWANNINESS~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

Low-key graceful Day; we were both being lazy bones, most of the day long.

I slept in - didn't rattle my bones out of bed until 9 AM

Holland had been up all night long, and climbed upstairs to bed when I came down to make my morning coffee. He slept until around 1'noon.

Finishing off my coffee, I watched a buffed, bob-tail tomcat, do a prowling casing of the hedges along the edge of our Park space. I'm thinking he was hoping robins would be on his menu … but he left hungry.

A husky bob-tailed tomcat trolling the grounds for a bird snack.
Mr. Robin & his mate waited the cat out & came out of hiding to forage & play, after he was gone-gone.

His graceful, muscle-enhanced prowling, prodded me into the bunk room to do a workout before Holland woke. Today's exercise routine was Darebee's Adira Workout.

Darebee’s Adira Workout is designed for older adults who want to stay strong, balanced, and active without needing special equipment. For a 69-year-old woman, the benefits can be significant if done safely and with proper guidance. As women age, especially after menopause, muscle mass and bone density naturally decline, increasing the risk of falls and fractures. Adira’s bodyweight-based routines can help preserve and even build muscle, improve daily function and support bone health. Muscle weakness is not inevitable. You can build leg strength and stability with a targeted exercise routine. One recommended exercise is the lunge. The muscles worked during lunges are the quadriceps (front of the thigh), hamstrings (back of the thigh), and gluteal muscles (buttocks). This exercise also engages the hips, core, and back muscles. Lunges are great for older adults because they help improve strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. You use these muscles for basic daily activities like walking, negotiating stairs, or even getting up from the floor. If you're sitting on the floor playing with your grandchildren or you happen to fall and have trouble getting up, the way to push yourself back up is to work through the lunge position. This workout blends strength, cardio, and HIIT elements, which can boost heart health, improve circulation, and help regulate blood sugar and metabolism. This is especially important for older adults to maintain energy levels and prevent age-related metabolic slowdown.

Lunge Step‑Ups are a modified lunge that can be safe for many older adults when performed with proper form and modifications, but they are not suitable for everyone. Step‑up lunges reduce the depth of the movement compared to a full lunge, which can make them easier on the knees and hips. When to be cautious - Joint issues: If you have significant knee, hip, or back problems, or if you’ve had recent joint surgery. Strength level: Lunges require leg strength to perform safely; only lower only as far as comfortable for your knees - straining can lead to muscle or tendon injuries. Balance: If you have poor balance or a history of falls, start with minimal range of motion and use support (chair, or wall). Start small: Fewer reps, shorter sets, and progress gradually as strength and balance improve. Listen to your body: Stop immediately if you feel sharp pain, instability, or discomfort.

Lunge Step-ups Exercise; Always maintain a straight back and avoid straining~Aim for 6 reps EA leg x2

Standing Side Leg Raises exercise is safe for a 69-year-old woman to do. These exercises are designed to strengthen the glute minimus, a small muscle situated on either side of the buttocks, which is important for hip and knee stability and lateral movement. Regularly performing lateral leg raises can improve strength, stability, and reduce the risk of injuries. It is crucial for seniors to perform these exercises with proper form and to listen to their bodies. If they experience any discomfort or pain, it is recommended to stop the exercise.

Standing Side Leg Lifts~10 reps EA side x2

Standing Torso Twist Rotations are generally considered safe and beneficial for senior women over 60. These movement helps restore spinal mobility, reduce stiffness, and support daily activities like turning in bed or reaching behind you. Key Safety Considerations - Start small and slow: Use a small range of motion and avoid forcing a deep twist. The goal is comfort and control, not intensity. Keep knees soft: Soften your knees slightly and avoid locking them, which can strain the lower back. Breathe normally: Do not hold your breath; relaxed breathing helps prevent tension and injury. Use support if needed: A stable chair or wall can provide balance and reduce strain. Listen to your body: Avoid if you have recent back surgery, osteoporosis, heart disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, or instability.

Standing Rotation~Aim for 6 reps EA side x2

Side Punches - also called cross punches - are a common striking technique in boxing and self-defense. Boxing provides cardiovascular exercise. For a 69-year-old woman, they can be safe if done with proper form, & controlled intensity: prioritize form, control, and joint protection over speed or power. At 69, natural wear and tear can affect shoulders, elbows, wrists, and core stability. Side punches require shoulder rotation, elbow flexion, and core engagement, so starting with light, controlled reps and gradually increasing intensity is important . Avoid: if you have recent shoulder, elbow, or wrist injuries. If you experience pain during or after training. If you are not physically fit or have balance issues. Stop if you feel pain, dizziness, or instability.

Side Punches~a count of 10 x2

The Overhead Arm Reach Side Bend Stretch can be safe for a 69 year old woman to do, if done with proper form, controlled movement, and awareness of her health status. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Overhead arm reach is a gentle upper‑body stretch that increases shoulder and upper back flexibility, helping with daily tasks like reaching shelves or opening doors. Side bend (leaning to one side) can improve spinal mobility and relieve stiffness, but it must be performed carefully to avoid strain. Keep the movement slow and controlled; avoid bouncing. Balance or dizziness: Leaning to one side while reaching overhead may affect balance, especially if the person is on a slippery or uneven surface … a safer alternative for you could be an overhead reach without side bend - Just raise arms overhead to improve shoulder range of motion.  Avoid if you have a history of spinal fractures, osteoporosis, osteopenia, arthritis, or balance issues. Stop if you feel pain, dizziness, or instability.

Overhead Arm-Reach Stretch~Aim for 6 reps EA side x2

We drove over to Rainier to collect our mail … grabbed a couple cases of water on the way back home through Longview; ate a quick sandwich supper - and gracefully circled each other, in our private [swanniness bubble] for the rest of the evening 💞

Snuggling & Holland chuckling about being my 'Swan Man'.

The evening ended on a positive note: I was "soft and fluffy" according to my husband, and my husband in turn, was gentle, according to me - and our interpretations are all that matters, in our private bubble.

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