With the crazy weather, the unexpected deaths, ever-changing plans due to weather whims, and the general hemmed-in feeling; there hasn't been much to be excited about lately; but the savoring of hot buttered toast, handcraft time, interesting clouds floating by, a text from friends, a new show popping up on YouTube (with actors I enjoy) that I have never seen before, & a wonderfully flavored hot cup of coffee … goes a long way in chasing the humdrums, away 😉
Starting in October, we have been running the heaters non-stop when the sun goes down: nearly all day long in November, and we broke out the electric blanket around Christmas time:
The weather is cold 😱, and the electric bill is outrageous 💸 - the electric costs as much as the space rent. Holland says "we are leaving here the end of this month 🗓️🎯, no matter what. I will find a way through 🚘🗺️🏔️🚧 to sunnier skies and cheaper living expenses, come hell or high water." He says it costs more to run the heaters, than it does to run the air conditioners - I think it's an even-draw … but, we'll do what he thinks we need to do; and I will stand with him on the issue.
I like our vagabond lifestyle, and Holland is relaxing into the retirement life - he's chomping at the bit himself, to be back in motion finding some exciting adventures to explore. He's as tight with money as I am; and we'd both rather spend the money moving from state to state, and enjoying life in the moment,
The high water is a very serious thing, e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e., right now 😳🌊🚜
Most of the roads we have traveled … and need to find an alternate route around 🔄 to get from here to there, look pretty much like this one - the now destroyed roadway; that we traveled with Independence in October of 2024, on our way to Quartzsite-AZ
My October 14, 2024 Post ~ JOURNEYING AMONG GIANTS~Gustine-CA to Quartzsite-AZ: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/10/journeying-among-giantsgustine-ca-to.html)
Today's CA News Post - CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY USED BY MILLIONS 'DESTROYED' BY HEAVY RAINFALL: https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/01/california-mountain-highway-used-by.html
This year, we will also be revisiting Quartzsite, but we may have to find new digs to park at because we can't raise a hoot or a holler from the Pit Stop 🤷♀️ - where we normally have a standing appointment ✅ for a couple weeks. They may have been sold, or gone out of business 😒 (which is hard to imagine, given all they had to offer besides a parking space). That makes me sad 😔, because I liked watching 👀 the changing RV traffic outside my kitchen window all day long, every day we were taking up space, there.
On another note: the intermediate fasting, combined with toning exercises, is working wonderfully 💪😁 our bodies healthier, and my clothes are fitting a little looser.
Back Leg Raises (15 reps/per leg) = are okay for senior women over 60. They are a beneficial exercise for building leg strength and improving mobility, to prevent falls and maintain independence. These exercises are low-impact and can be performed safely with proper form and support.
The back leg raises exercise primarily targets the rectus abdominis, which is the front part of the abdomen, and the core muscles. It also engages the hip flexors, glutes, calves, and hamstrings. The exercise is effective for building strength and stability in these muscle groups, contributing to overall lower body strength and injury prevention.
For a reasonably fit senior woman, it is recommended to perform 15 repetitions for each leg in a set of back leg raises. This exercise can be done by standing behind a chair and slowly lifting the right leg straight back and holding that position for one second without bending the knees. After one second, bring the leg back down and repeat the process 15 times for each leg. This routine can help protect bone health and prevent falls, contributing to overall well-being.
Leg Swings (15 to 20 reps/per leg) = are generally safe and beneficial for senior women over 60. They are a low-impact dynamic stretching exercise that can enhance hip mobility, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls. Leg swings can also strengthen muscles in the hips, legs, and core, making them a valuable addition to a senior's fitness routine.
Leg swings primarily target the hip flexors, hamstrings, glutes, and adductors. These muscles are engaged through controlled, rhythmic swings, which help loosen up the hips, hamstrings, glutes, and adductors. This exercise is particularly beneficial for warming up the lower body before workouts.
For a reasonably fit senior woman, performing 10-15 swings per leg in each direction is recommended as a warm-up. For mobility, 2-3 rounds of 15-20 reps per leg with a focus on smooth range is suggested. Before explosive workouts or runs, 1-2 rounds of both variations to prep the hips for full range can be beneficial. It's important to use a sturdy support and hold onto a stable surface to ensure safety and prevent falls.
Side Leg Raises (15 reps/per leg) = are okay for senior women over 60. These exercises are beneficial for strengthening the lower body, improving balance, coordination, and flexibility. They target multiple muscle groups, especially the glutes, hip abductors, and inner thighs, which are important for stability and performance in all workout routines and daily activities. Side leg raises can also be modified to fit any fitness level, making them a great exercise for women over 60 looking to enhance their strength and reduce the risk of injury.
The Side Leg Raises exercise primarily targets the hip abductors, which include the gluteus medius and minimus. These muscles are responsible for moving the leg away from the body's midline. Additionally, the exercise engages the tensor fasciae latae (TFL), quadriceps, and core muscles such as the transverse abdominis (TVA), internal/external obliques (IO/EO), and erector spinae (ESP) complex. The core muscles provide stabilization to ensure proper form and protect against potential injuries due to improper technique or over-exertion. Overall, Side Leg Raises are an effective way to strengthen both upper and lower body musculature while improving balance and stability.
Side Bend Stretches (15 reps/per side) = can be beneficial for senior women over 60, but it is essential to approach them with caution. It is generally not recommended for seniors with osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mineral density that increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures) - or those with scoliosis or disc herniation; these exercises can put excessive pressure on the spine, leading to a higher risk of vertebral compression fractures.
Side bends are a lateral (side-to-side) core movement that targets the oblique muscles, the muscles that run along the sides of your waist. Unlike crunches or planks, which emphasize forward flexion or static hold, side bends focus on lateral flexion of the spine. This makes them essential for building a balanced, functional core that can move and stabilize in all directions.
The Side Bend Stretches exercise primarily targets the internal and external obliques, which are the muscles that run along the sides of the torso. These muscles help you rotate your body in everyday activities. Additionally, the exercise also engages the rectus abdominis, the long muscle that runs vertically down the front of the abdomen, and the erector spinae, which runs along the spine. The intercostal muscles are also targeted, especially when deep breaths are taken while in the side-bend position. Lastly, the quadratus lumborum is engaged, which is a deep lower back muscle that connects the pelvis to the spine and your bottom rib. This exercise helps boost flexibility and strength in the muscles along the sides of the waist and back, making daily movements easier and more comfortable.
Standing Side-to-Side Twists (15 reps) = are generally considered safe and beneficial for senior women over 60. These exercises can help improve balance, strength, and confidence, which are crucial for maintaining independence and safety in daily activities. However, it is important to perform these exercises with caution and under supervision, especially if there are any concerns about balance or coordination. Always listen to your body and stop if you experience any discomfort or pain during the exercise.
The standing side-to-side twist exercise primarily targets the oblique muscles, which are responsible for rotational movements and lateral flexion of the torso. This exercise also engages the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and lower back muscles such as the erector spinae, which help stabilize the spine during the twisting motion. Additionally, the exercise activates the glutes and hip muscles to maintain balance and support the body's weight. By incorporating standing twists into a workout routine, individuals can improve core strength, enhance spinal flexibility, and promote better posture, making it a versatile exercise for overall functional fitness.
Standing Knee-to-Elbows (15 reps/per side) = are generally considered safe and beneficial for senior women over 60. These exercises can help improve core strength, balance, and overall stability. However, it is important to start with low repetitions and gradually increase the number as she becomes more comfortable and stronger.
The standing knee-to-elbows exercise primarily targets the rectus abdominis, obliques, and hip flexors. These muscles work together to stabilize the torso and facilitate the upward motion of the knee toward the elbow. The shoulder muscles, including the deltoids and rotator cuff, also play a role in stabilizing the upper body and maintaining proper form during the movement. Additionally, the quadriceps and hamstrings contribute to controlling the leg movement, making this exercise a comprehensive workout that enhances strength, coordination, and flexibility across several key muscle groups.
Standing Toe Touch (15 reps) = generally considered safe for senior women over 60. Before beginning any workout routine, especially one that involves deep hamstring or spinal stretches, always include a brief warm-up. March in place, perform arm circles with arms outstretched and do a few gentle torso twists. This primes your muscles for deeper stretches and supports proper circulation.
A standing toe touch might seem like a fairly easy and safe exercise, and it’s not hard to do and not very intensive either … but, standing toe touches require a lot of bending over.
These exercises can improve flexibility, mobility, and posture, which are beneficial for overall health and independence. However, it is essential to perform these exercises with caution and listen to the body. Seniors should avoid excessive bending, heavy running, and intense exertion, as these can be too strenuous for their bodies. It is recommended to perform standing toe touch exercises in a seated position if they feel dizzy or disoriented.
The standing toe touch exercise primarily engages the hamstrings, calves, glutes, and lower back muscles. This exercise is beneficial for improving flexibility and mobility, especially in the hamstrings and lower back. It also helps in reducing lower back tension and promoting better posture. Additionally, the exercise can enhance blood flow and circulation, which is beneficial for overall health and muscle recovery.
