I didn't do much physical activity last week - so, I made up for some of the laxness, this morning: still, kinda low-key due to asthma mucus keeping my lungs 🌬️ in struggle mode. But I want to stick to my workout schedule 👍 as much as possible 🤞 … and even though "all the fat belongs to the Lord", I'm not going to walk into Heaven fat, if I can help it 😇
I had planned to walk 👟 around the Park today, but the weather 🌦️ did not cooperate; so, I did an in-house Darebee workout 🏰🧘😊
First, a warm up with a toe touch stretch & arm stretches:
The Star Stretch Toe Touch exercise is a common flexibility exercise, but for older adults, especially those over 60, it can carry significant risks if done incorrectly or without modifications. If you have good flexibility, strong core and balance, and no back or joint issues, occasional, gentle toe touches may be safe. However, even then, it’s best to: Keep the movement hip-hinged (bend knees slightly) to reduce spinal flexion. Limit repetitions and duration. Stop if you feel dizzy, pain, or discomfort. Avoid if you have a history of disc problems, severe arthritis, or balance issues.
#Safer alternatives for flexibility:
Seated Forward Bend: Sit upright on a chair, hinge at the hips, and reach toward your toes without fully bending the spine.
Seated Straddle Stretch: Sit with legs apart, reach toward one foot, and hold for 30 seconds per side.
Cat-Cow Stretch: Sit upright on a chair; alternate between arching and rounding the spine to improve flexibility and balance.
ARMPIT FAT exercises: You can’t honestly spot-reduce armpit fat, but strengthening the chest, shoulders, triceps, and upper back can tone the area and improve its appearance. Armpit fat, often called “bra bulge,” is the extra fat stored between the chest and upper arms. Genetics, hormones, and overall body fat levels influence its prominence. While you cannot target fat loss in this area alone, building muscle around the armpits combined with overall fat reduction can make the area appear firmer and more toned.
The Darebee Arms & Abs Workout is designed to strengthen both your arms and abs through a series of bodyweight exercises. The workout focuses on building core strength; it includes exercises that target the upper and lower abs, as well as the core muscles, which help in overall stability and performance. The workout is structured to provide a gradual increase in difficulty, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
I have also included alternate exercises (marked with a #) that may benefit those with limited flexibility.
#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 . When to avoid or modify: 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.
#Modify by keeping the motion light & fluid, and the reps at a 30 second count, instead of a 30 minute workout.
#If mobility is an issue, consider the chair-based exercises:
#Incline Push-ups can be a safe and effective exercise for a 69-year-old woman, provided she follows proper form and safety guidelines. Here are some key points to consider: Proper Form: Incline push-ups require a straight body line, engaging the core, and keeping elbows at a 45-degree angle to protect joints. Wrist Pain: If she experiences wrist pain, she can place a rolled-up towel under her palms. Core Engagement: A strong core is crucial for stability and posture, helping prevent lower back strain during the movement. Consistent Progress: Incorporating incline push-ups into her routine 2-3 times per week, slowly increasing reps or moving to a more difficult variation as strength improves. Heed Your Body's Signals: If you feel pain, stop immediately. It's best to regress to an easier modification rather than pushing through discomfort.
#Standing Elbow Plank Hold can be safe for a 69-year-old woman to do, provided she has proper form and technique. It is a low-impact exercise that can help improve core strength, balance, and posture. For a 69-year-old woman, it is generally safe to hold a plank for 15 to 30 seconds with good form. This duration is considered an excellent marker of strong functional core endurance at this stage of life. However, seniors with pre-existing medical conditions or injuries should consult their doctor before attempting planks. It is also important to start with shorter hold times and gradually increase as strength and comfortability improve. Seniors should listen to their body and stop immediately if they feel any pain or discomfort.
The primary purpose of the plank is to burn belly fat - so, keep the stomach sucked in, and make sure your shoulders, back, and butt are evenly in line.
#Standing Plank Leg Lift exercise is generally safe for a 69 year old woman to do. This exercise combines a plank’s core engagement with a leg movement, which can be beneficial for balance, strength, and mobility. Core stability: Planks engage the entire trunk, improving posture and balance, which can reduce fall risk. Leg activation: Lifting a leg from the plank position can help strengthen hip flexors, glutes, and core stabilizers. Functional mobility: Stronger core and leg muscles can make daily activities like standing up from a chair or walking easier. Listen to your body: Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, or discomfort in the back, neck, or legs. Avoid if you have back pain, osteoporosis, spinal arthritis, or recent surgery.
#Standing Side Planks can be safe for a 69-year-old woman if done with proper form; however, she should avoid this exercise if she has any pre-existing conditions such as osteoporosis, spinal arthritis, hernia, or shoulder pain. Planks (including side variations) strengthen the core, improve posture, and enhance balance - all very important for reducing fall risk in older adults. Functional strength: They engage the obliques, lower back, and hip stabilizers, which support daily movements like standing up from a chair or walking. Low-impact compared to crunches: Unlike sit-ups, planks do not compress the spine or strain the neck. Safety Considerations: Use a wall or elevated surface for support. Keep holds short (10–20 seconds) and focus on form over duration. Maintain proper alignment: Keep your spine neutral, avoid arching or sagging, and engage your core. Listen to your body: stop if you feel pain, dizziness, or loss of balance.
A Mini-Stepper can add a little low-impact cardio to your day. Trainers say the simplicity and accessibility of a portable, compact stepper, can help people stay consistent with their daily movement goals, particularly if they’ve got limited space at home. Some models - like mine, have a digital monitor that tracks steps, time, and calories burned - that helps users stay aligned with their fitness goals. The only thing I don't like about it … is the squeakiness of the rubber band when it gets dry; other than that, I really like my stepper when I can't get outside to walk in nature.
Workout completed, I checked out my newsfeed & was instantly angered 🧐💻🌐😡 In his parody 🗣️💩 of the event on Thursday, Kimmel 👹🤡🎭 said, “Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”
NOT FUNNY 🤬
And it actually borders on treason.
How long are Americans going to stand for this hate-filled obamanite garbage passed off as comedy?
There is NOTHING FUNNY about wishing widowhood ☠️ on a woman.
And here is nothing redeeming in those black-hearted morons 🤯 who think this warped mindset is humorous 🥴
{{Melania Trump rips Jimmy Kimmel and urges ABC to 'take a stand'
~Story by Daniel Arkin
First lady Melania Trump sharply criticized ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel on Monday for on-air comments he made about her and urged the Disney-owned broadcast network to "take a stand."
In a post on X, Trump said Kimmel’s "hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country." She appeared to be referring to a parody of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner that aired on Kimmel’s show on Thursday.
"You have a glow like an expectant widow," Kimmel said of the first lady in the segment.
The segment aired two days before a gunman opened fire outside the Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington. President Donald Trump, the first lady and other top officials were rushed out of the ballroom.
The suspect wrote in a note to his family that he believed it was his duty to target Trump administration officials.
Kimmel’s "monologue about my family isn't comedy — his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America," the first lady wrote. "People like Kimmel shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate."
"A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him," she added. "Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC's leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community."
ABC and the Walt Disney Company did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the first lady's social media post.
The first lady’s criticism of Kimmel comes seven months after ABC briefly suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" amid a firestorm over his comments about the political motivations of the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah.
"The MAGA gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," Kimmel said on his Sept. 15 show.
Investigators had not yet released details about the suspect’s possible motive at the time. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, said the suspect grew up in a conservative household in Utah but later became influenced by what he characterized as "leftist ideology."
The week after Kimmel's suspension, the comedian returned to the airwaves and delivered an emotional opening monologue. "You understand it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," he said in part, referring to Kirk. "I don’t think there’s anything funny about it."
In early December, Kimmel signed a one-year extension at ABC to continue hosting the network's flagship late-night talk show, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The first lady has grown increasingly concerned about security measures in recent years, according to a source close to her. She can be seen asking specific questions about the inaugural parade route in the documentary "Melania."
"Is it safe? Because if we go out, I think people will already know where we would go out," the first lady says in the film. “So it's kind of like, how could that be safe, especially with the last year, what’s going on and stuff?"
In remarks that aired on CBS’ "60 Minutes" Sunday, the president praised his wife’s composure during the weekend shooting.
"Well, my thought was, you know, I’ve been through this before a couple of times, and she has not, to this extent," he said. "She handled it great. I mean, she was, she is very strong, smart. She got it. She knew what was happening."
The first lady was not present when a gunman attempted to assassinate her husband at a 2024 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The same was true when another gunman attempted to assassinate him later that year outside his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/melania-trump-rips-jimmy-kimmel-and-urges-abc-to-take-a-stand/ar-AA21Q7Nw?ocid=BingNewsSerp }}
Which led into my own sticky situation, here. Why 🤔 do we let other peoples words 💬 ruin our dreams? It’s like their words can absorb into our thoughts 🧠 and then the downward spiral starts 💔 Why do the words that hurt us stick so much longer than the words that lift us? We share something we love, something we’ve poured our heart into … and one dismissive comment 🤦🏻♀️ can drown out a dozen kind ones 😌
This is how it's supposed to be:
And I won't accept anything less.
I watched my sister-in-laws who married into the Hargand family … and my sister who married into the Halfmoon family, be disrespected & treated like nobody's 😩💔😭 And I always avoided that kind of toxic treatment. Bob treated me good - he went beyond loving me: he cherished me - if anyone talked derogatorily about me (usually family members), he cut time spent with them; if I wasn't invited, he stopped going. This upset a lot of people, but it kept US strong 👩❤️💋👨
MPO is that if a man doesn't place his wife at the top of the totem pole, he wasn't raised right 🤨 If a man chooses anyone - or anything - over & above his wife … he deserves to lose her & she's better off without him.
I have never entertained a toxic alpha-mentality 😤 male, and it is embarrassing 🙄 that I now find myself hobbled to one.
I don't allow myself to be disrespected, or treated like I don't exist when we go to social gatherings: so, now he goes alone and can stay gone.
I deserve to be loved openly 👩❤️💋👨💖
I deserve to be cherished like I am a precious gem in my husband's crown 💎🦁👑
I expect to be 1st in my husband's life 💯
I'm worth it & I won't settle for anything less.
HE can call me a goat 🐐 all he wants to; as a Capricorn … I'll accept it as a compliment 😉
GOAT is an acronym for "Greatest Of All Time" and is used to praise individuals, performances, or creations that are unmatched in quality or achievement.
While I was scrolling FB Reels 💻🌐🎞️ I saw a cool semi - I was surprised it is licensed & acceptable for hauling gigs … but, it is cool.
Seeing all that metal work got me to thinking 🤔 about the Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park, about an hour from here; the 1st & last time I as there, was the summer of 2022. I'm thinking about a revisit around Mother's Day 📅 - it will get me out of the house, and redirect my thoughts away from all the missingness of my Past Life, as well as my current life.
I think a Day out - minding my own business 📸 & mingling with strangers, is called for ⛽️🚘🗺️🏔️👭😊
I'm very familiar with the region, the roads - and honestly … I am more comfortable with strangers than I am with family: strangers allow you to breathe without crowding your personal space, asking prodding questions they have no right to delve into, or trying to dominate your life.
I've got the time, I've got 💰 saved, and I will borrow Betsy 🚘🤝
Things are looking better, already 👌😁
