Doctors frequently ask what is your workout regime. You've heard of Jane Fonda and Sweating to the Oldies, I've come up with what I affectionately refer to as "The Caregiver Workout" Strength training: lifting wheelchairs and oxygen tanks into and out of the car, helping patients with bathing, Cardio: Pushing patient in wheelchair, Eye hand coordination: emptying the commode into the toilet, lining up wheel chair feet and arms on the chair. Chime in if you guys think of more.
Right now I can only think of a few:
Tai Chi: balancing an oxygen tank cart while trying to open or close a walker while also being alert to any possible misalignment of balance of the cared for person, and trying not to look too clutzy.
Cardio and activities which require spurt techniques: Dropping everything to run out into the street to stop a loved one who doesn't hear approaching vehicles, while also (a) pushing a grocery cart (b) hauling in laundry or groceries.
Yoga: bending over to pick up things that were just dropped on the floor for storage, or somehow managed to crawl behind or underneath chairs and couches.
Core strengthening: trying to stand and sit straight after hours of driving to medical appointments, shopping, and more.
Mental workouts...sometimes as challenging as doing advanced math. Algebra, statistics and economics courses were easier than the mental challenges of caregiving.
I'm anxious to see what others write!
And thanks to everyone for offering a lighter touch on an arduous task.
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