GOD KNEW I NEEDED YOU

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

RISKY FRISKY~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

This Cussler-Fargo adventure, Chapter 2, opens with the Fargos observing sharks in a steel underwater cage; in the waters of Isla Guadeloupe Mexico …

Isla Guadeloupe, Mexico from San Diego, CA
Islas de Guadalupe
Isla Guadalupe Mexico~Shark Dive
Shark bait …
Acapulco, Mexico from Islas de Guadalupe

The opening storyline got me to thinking about a documentary I had watched with Bob, decades ago, when we lived in Cathlamet. Of course the documentary was already old before it got to us via televised air-waves, but I remembered the married couple who locked themselves into a steel cage, had it lowered into shark infested waters … and daringly filmed shark frenzies. So, I went online, & found one of their documentaries:

Valerie Taylor, in her shark-proof steel cage.
The Taylor's baiting a Great White Shark.
Ron & Valerie Taylor's Inner Space - Man Eater: The Great White Shark - 1973(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q60i15nMTvA)

I like adventure.

I like a little bit of an edge to my Life.

That said, I'm pretty sure swimming with sharks would not be a choice I'd make for a blood-pumping moment - but, I do know & have said to both husbands, that I'd rather live a little risky trying to live (skipping past the 10-year financial plan & 2-year engagement period - and getting right down to building a Life with the man who makes me laugh; chucking 'safe' securities & hitting the open road on a shoe-string budget), and savor the exciting moments … than waste precious time waiting to die, too afraid to live (listen to the Dr.'s spiel, weigh the pros and cons of living life on my terms, & refusing to allow handicaps to hobble me).

Life is for living.

You only get 1 shot at an Earth-bound Life.

I intend to l.i.v.e. as long, & as free-spirited, as Elohim keeps my heart pumping.

Speaking of risky living, today's workout falls into that category - but, it doesn't have to be a heart blow-out, or a breath-stealing ordeal. Alternative movements and a slower pace can be just as beneficial.

So, I've included both in today's self-care 2026 post 😁

Darebee APOLLYON Workout is a HIIT challenge routine for the body and mind - achieving positive changes at a cellular level they also help you maintain brain health and ensure that your quality of life is high as you age. According to studies, HIIT can also increase fat-free mass, which includes muscle, by 1% to 3%. This is important for older adults who begin to lose muscle at increased rates as they age. It is time‑efficient, boosts cardiovascular fitness, and can be done at home without equipment. 

High‑Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts alternate short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rests between sets: typical routines last 20–30 minutes, burn about 150–400 calories, and require no equipment according to multiple 2026 HIIT guides.

For a 70-year-old woman with asthma, HIIT can be safe and beneficial if it is medically approved, properly modified, and performed with controlled breathing. Research shows that interval training can improve lung capacity, cardiovascular fitness, and overall quality of life in people with asthma. HIIT can also boost muscle strength, endurance, and metabolic health more efficiently than moderate exercise. Key Safety and Modification Strategies - Low-impact exercises: Choose activities that minimize respiratory strain, such as alternatives with same outcome at a less frenzied pace. Controlled breathing: Use diaphragmatic breathing (inhale slowly through your nose & .exhale slowly through pursed lips) & avoid holding your breath during high-intensity intervals. Shorter, gentler intervals: Start with lower-intensity bursts and longer recovery periods to reduce the risk of triggering asthma symptoms. Proper form over speed: Focus on technique to prevent injury and ensure each effort is effective. Frequency: 2 to 3 spaced sessions per week (Mon-Wed-Fri or Tues-Thurs-Sat) is generally recommended for seniors: remember that intensity depends on your fitness level … what feels intense for you might feel different to someone else. Avoid trying to keep up with younger, or more experienced, athletes. Instead, focus on gradually increasing your own challenge. Even small bursts of effort can boost your fitness. Asthma-Specific Tips: Warm up before and cool down after each session to prepare and protect your lungs. Avoid exercising in cold, dry, or polluted environments, which can trigger asthma. Use prescribed asthma medications as directed, and have a rescue inhaler available during workouts. Bottom line: With medical approval, low-impact modifications, and careful breathing control, HIIT can be a safe and effective way for a 70-year-old asthmatic woman to improve fitness, lung function, and overall health. Listen to your body: Stop if you feel shortness of breath, chest tightness, or dizziness. Use your “talk test” -  if you can only say a few words without pausing, you’re in the high-intensity zone. Always listen to your body and progress at a pace that feels comfortable. Some soreness after a workout is normal, but let your doctor know if you experience persistent or intense muscle pain that starts during a workout or right afterward, or if your muscle soreness lasts for more than one to two weeks.

A HIIT workout consists of four essential parts: (1) a 5-minute warm-up of lower-intensity movements targeting the same muscles as the main workout (2) 5-6 minute high-intensity intervals during which you increase speed, resistance, or incline to maximize your effort (3) recovery intervals, or active rest periods, equal in length or slightly longer than high intensity intervals (4) a 5-minute cool-down, with light activity like walking in place, or measured marching in place, followed by gentle stretching of the legs and arms - similar to a gentle morning wake-up stretch.

WARM UP Shoulder Shrug~12-15 ct.
ALTERNATIVE: Seated Shoulder Shrug~12-15 ct.
Shoulder Lateral Raises~12 to 15 ct. ALTERNATIVE: This exercise can also be done seated, same reps ct.
WARM UP Bodyweight Standing Abdominal Vacuum~12-15 ct.
ALTERNATIVE: Seated Abdominal Crunches~12-15 ct.
WARM UP Bodyweight Knee Stretch Circles~12-15 ct.
ALTERNATIVE: Seated Hip Flexor Stretch~12-15 ct.
WARM UP Bodyweight Patrick Step~12-15 ct. EA Leg
ALTERNATIVE: Seated Leg Extension~12-15 ct. EA Leg
Muscles Worked
Marching In Place~Aim for a rep of 20, x3

ALTERNATIVE: Seated Marching in Place~Aim for a rep of 20, x3

Bodyweight Arm Circles~Aim for a rep of 20, x3
ALTERNATIVE: Sitting Arm Circles~Aim for a rep of 20, x3
Bodyweight Back Twists~Aim for a rep of 20, x3
ALTERNATIVE: Sitting Russian Twist~Aim for a rep of 20, x3
Reverse Lunges~Aim for a rep of 20, x3
ALTERNATIVE: Chair assist Lunge~Aim for a rep of 20, x3
Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise~Up & Down Stairs, x8
ALTERNATIVE: Bodyweight Chair-Assist Calf Raise with support~12-15 ct.

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