Extra things I do to stay in shape

Remember success doesn't come from what you do occasionally.......It comes from what you do consistently.

I am open to all ideas relating to staying toned and flexible and I would like to share with you what I do in my normal routine at 62 years young.

On a normal year we travel a lot and everything has to take up a minimal amount of space .....here are a few things that are always in my suitcase. Even in my backpack I will squeeze in my fascia blaster.

These are things that I have been doing for at least 6 years and on a daily basis. It's not a stop start thing as I do everything with consistency.

Click on the picture for the link to the Ashley Black Fascia Blaster

I believe in all honesty that this fascia blaster is one of the major things that has kept my pins in shape and allows me at 62 to feel comfortable wearing a bikini or shorts.

As you know when you get older, things can get a little wobbly in the thigh area, anyway mine do.

I have used a great product that works for me and I have used this for around 6 years

consistently for about 5 to 6 days per week.

It only takes 5 minutes per day and not only firms the wobble and smooths cellulite but gets into tight areas on your shoulders and back.

Click on the picture for the link to the Ashley Black Fascia Blaster

Before (6 years ago) and After Pics:

Click on the picture for the link to the Ashley Black Fascia Blaster

How I use It :

How I use It :It’s this simple: I use on bare skin with oil and simply scrub lightly like you would using a loofah. That’s it!

Apart from cellulite and wobbly bits you can use it also for soreness in the back and neck etc

I use it on my neck area and lower back as these areas sometimes get a bit tight after lifting weights and hitting potholes on the motorcycle.

It is called an Ashley Black fascia blaster and I bought it online from the states for $89.

The FasciaBlaster® by Ashley Black is a self-massage myofascial tool for massaging your tissue. It can massage fascia and muscles on almost any area of the body.

You can use it all over your body and I have seen wonderful results when used on the face.

You can buy a smaller one for your face as well and I will probably buy this one shortly as I would like to try it out.

Seriously, the first few times I used it, my legs were very sore and bruised and then after that it was fine. I was only using it lightly but it really hits the spots.

I also wasn't applying a lot of pressure to get the bruising and I had to lay off for a few days as I was sore.

I always use it with oil, baby oil is fine, and here in Bali I use a local sandalwood oil or coconut oil. You can also buy a special oil from Ashley Black.

The body should be warm, so I find after hot yoga or exercise works for my routine. You could also use it in the shower when your body is nice and warm or after your shower.

Click on the picture for the link to the Ashley Black Fascia Blaster

So, once the legs are warm and oiled, you are ready to go.

I like to roller to a count of 50 each section, so when doing my legs, I will do the front 50 times, the sides and inner thighs 50 times and the back of my legs 50 times.

It is important not to do circles but up and down fluid movements.

Again, the key words are consistency and discipline. I am always consistent with food , exercise and eat 90% healthy. It's definitely not a stop start situation with me I have been consistent since I was 30.

Click on the picture for the link to the Ashley Black Fascia Blaster

Fitness Balls

From time to time, like most people I will get a bit of a sore spot in my back and when this happens I take out my trusty tennis balls or massage balls that travel that get into those sore spots.

It is just a matter of lying on your yoga mat or carpet and starting with the two balls on either shoulder blade and start rolling around. Trust me you will know when you have hit a sore spot.

Just keep moving them down the back and then go to one ball on your legs. Once you do it a few times you will get the hang of it.

You can feel immediately when you have hit the spot and it is a little love hate thing as you can't stop rolling on it.

I use hard court balls as light weight and easy to travel with. A must in your bag. You can use whatever balls you have handy.

Hand Weights:

I haven't been going to the gym since February, but that is no excuse not to stay disciplined and consistent. I had trouble finding 2 x 3kg hand weights in Bali so I improvised and filled 2 drink bottled with sand and water to make it heavier and they are now roughly 3 kg each. I do a 6 km power walk each morning and do about 6 different exercises for about 1 km each.

About 8 weeks ago I have gone up to 5 kg weights on my 6km walk and that is definitely challenging

When I walk I use my weights and I also have my earplugs in as I am also learning Indonesian. That's what I call multitasking!

Hill Walking:

I think you get the most benefits from walking up hills or steps but in Bali where I live there is none, so I just use what I have and we have some 2 steps that I just spend about 2 to 3 mins a day running up and down, Trust me 2 or 3 mins is plenty.

Switch It Up

If your legs get tired from walking , switch your focus to the upper body. Try doing 10 triceps dips and 10 push-ups, then 20 of each, then 30 of each. All you need is your body weight to make it happen!

TRX

This is one of my favs. I love it at the gym in a group but for now I am more than happy to do about 15 to 30 mins a day. I've had my own TRX for about 4 years now and is another must have in my suitcase. It's a fabulous workout and I just love it with some great music.

Yoga:

I love to do yoga and even during Covid 19 I just practise at home. You can do online classes or just do your own thing the best way you can. I'm definitely no expert but I just do about 20 mins a day of the poses that I need the most.

Massage:

I am lucky here in Bali as massages here are inexpensive and around $7 USD for a one hour massage.

I love a good massage as I find tight spots especially on my back from lifting weights.

Food:

I can't stress enough the importance of healthy eating. You can be doing all of the above but if your food intake is not healthy no matter how much exercise you do, you will never outrun your fork.

I eat healthy for about 90% of the time and that doesn't mean food has to be boring. Plenty of fruit and vegetables, chicken and fish, curries, basically anything. I never count calories or weigh myself. I just kinda know what is good and what is not and it's that easy.

So these are my little extras that I do and the most important thing is being consistent. I can't stress that enough.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Yours in health and fitness

Sheila

Call Me A Gypsy