Heria, you are not alone. You have me. You have us. I encourage you, nudge you to make a commitment to you. You are worth it.

I am childless. My husband has multiple health problems. Statistics alone substantiate that he will most likely pre-decease me. I will be alone. Yes, there are times it bothers me. Deeply. However, that fact inspires me to take good care of myself so my years without my mate will be independent and dignified as long as possible.

I apologize for not addressing your questions re: core exercises. Others are more qualified. However, I can offer another good suggestions. Join a health club or find out if a church near you has a gym and scheduled exercise classes. Or maybe YOU could start an exercise program at YOUR church! I know dozens would be grateful.

I support you, admire you for reaching out. So many are too proud to seek assistance. Once you get started on you, you just might be the one offering support, encouragement and guidance to others.

Please invest in you!

Hugs,

Michèle, AKA Frenchie

@heria

The Mayo Clinic has some basic core exercises on line to start with and you could goggle just about any core exercise. Make sure you have a chair nearby in case you cannot get up by yourself as many of these exercises are on the floor. Get yourself some weights....shop for them anywhere like target or and Walmart and see what is just heavy enough for you.

I would start walking a certain distance daily first if you can in your neighborhood and increase the distance over time. I live in a hot climate right now so I out the door by 6:30...or you could do this in the evening. Get a simple pedometer to begin with and aim for a certain number of steps a day. You will get into the habit and want to make that target daily. I have an android watch that also connects to my phone and it has prompts to get you going if you are too sedentary..

You need to stretch also daily so look for some simple stretching exercises and develop your own routine. I can't really tell you what specific exercises to do because I don't know you or what you are capable of doing. But, it does take discipline and I guarantee you, once you get in the habit you won't want to stop. You will miss it when you don't do them. Break the exercise routine up into segments...say 10 minutes.....then later on, another different set for maybe an additional 10 minutes. Start slowly but do start tomorrow simply by walking, even if you have to walk around the house for 5 minutes straight at different times of the day. Weight bearing , stretching and actual core exercise all contribute to a stronger body and better balance. There are a number of videos and books and you will have to research which ones look the best for you.

Whatever you do, if you feel pain of any kind...stop that particular exercise or decrease the number of repetitions. You should not feel pain but you should feel a slight burn in the muscles when using weights and you should feel your muscles when stretching. I think of myself as a rubber band that will get old and dry and snap if I don't use it. Wear good shoes or sneakers...stop if you feel dizzy. I think I would recommend walking and stretching for about a week and then gradually glide into core. Stretch throughout the day....touching your toes if you can.
Hope this helps.

FL Mary