Exercise for the Limited

eclecticpixxie
eclecticpixxie Posts: 56 Member
edited November 25 in Fitness and Exercise
At 62 and with some mobility issues, I am discovering that walking is good. So, I walk the parameter of my housing area. It's a nice walk. Around 1-1/2 miles. My first time out though, I discovered that, no matter how nice the housing area is, there's always litter. So I decided to add a little extra to my walk. I now pick up litter.

I have a small tote that I line with plastic trash bag and pin. And I bought one of those grabber things. Don my gardening gloves and small hat. And then walk and pick and pick and walk.

Having to stop occasionally makes it a longer walk but also allows me to meet people too.

I found I had to set some boundaries though:

1- I never pick up anything that could require hazmat (used baby diapers, etc.)
2- I don't do cigarette butts (I would be out all day!)
3- I stay away from litter that is under peoples windows and back yards. If I can get to it within 5-
10 feet from the sidewalk, its fair game.
4- I do not pick up gardening and tree trimmings.
5- If it looks like an IED ... well if that happens I'll let ya know! lol

So if jogging is out because of joint issues- but walking will work for you- maybe this is something you'd like to do in your neighborhood as well. Just an idea.

Replies

  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    This reminds me of a neighbor of mine. He would walk the area and pick up newspapers thrown in the yard and deliver them to each front door step. He turned a walk into entire body workout.
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,741 Member
    Great idea and good for you! There are several people that do this in the area I regularly walk in and I'm grateful for them.

    It's a busy walking trail with businesses nearby so between that and the terrible wind we've had lately there's always trash that needs to be disposed of.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,269 Member
    Exercise and community improvement: Good show!
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    You are a trend setter and I think it sounds fantastic!

    A number of hiking clubs will do clean-up hikes, but you are one of the first I've heard to urban clean-up, and that's often where it's needed most. So kudos to you!
  • eclecticpixxie
    eclecticpixxie Posts: 56 Member
    Thanks ya all! I do love doing this and I expanded my walk to the local college campus duck pond as well. Can't have the duckies picking up things and choking!
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