For a long time, I have exercised by avoiding gyms and factoring in some exercise in my day to day life. If there is somewhere I want to go that is under a mile or two, I don't even think of taking the car but set out on foot. If I remember, I do some stretching exercises in the morning. These take less time than going to a gym and cost a great deal less. I know I am lucky to have good health so that I can do these things.

This community looks as if it could be interesting but perhaps it could do with a few more members, so I hope you'll allow me to join in!

I live in the south of England and retired from secretarial work in the National Health Service a year ago. I spend quite a bit of time walking and potter about in our house and garden. I never want to get in the rushed, stressed state of my last few years at work and so intend to keep the amount I do well within limits.

Just wanted to say hello and tell a little about myself.

I'll be 53 in September, have health issues but try my very best not to let them stop me from doing what I want to do. I live on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan but wish I was back in a large city. I'm a stay-at-home wife and do volunteer work twice a week. I'd be working but no one will hire me here because of my physical disability and almost all jobs here involve manuel labor.

How to Raise Your Metabolism

Increase muscle mass

Don't skip meals

Eat more frequently

Eat more proteins

Drink green tea

Avoid alcohol

Don't stress

Sleep more

I'm taking my dog Cindy Lou out for a walk through the neighborhood each morning, now that summer has come to Albuquerque. Cindy Lou is an enthusiastic partner, who reminds me each day to head out the door, even if I'm not motivated.

We have parks scattered throughout our neighborhood (one of the streets is aptly named "Parkland"). I've been able to walk each morning, and my new goal is to increase the distance that Cindy Lou and I travel, and to discover some new parks along the way.

I'd like to share that I was in the medical transcription business for some time, assisting pain management specialists. The one suggestion that the physicians made over and over and over again to their patients to improve their general health was to go for a walk - so basic an exercise, and yet so healthful :)

I just joined, and would like to introduce myself :) I'm 45 years old, and in dealing with health issues I have, I'm learning that the most important component, for me at least, is maintaining a positive frame of mind. I am going to have some time at home, as I have a rotator cuff tear that needs surgical repair. A massage therapist told me something that was so simple, and yet so profound - if a movement feels good, do it. If a movement causes pain, don't do it. I liked this, because it got me thinking about all the movement that I can do. I take our dog Cindy on a walk daily, for starters :) Although I haven't exercised for the most part, for a long time, I'm beginning to study Yoga, and together with my daughter, we're making thoughtful choices about what it is that we eat, as well.

This group is a wonderful idea, and thank you for starting it :)

Alcohol:

Try to avoid. Alcohol is dehydrating, has a high calorie tab, and is easily converted to fat. Even worse, it slows down metabolism for several days.

While eating, I will remind myself that the food will all get into my mouth eventually. There are no wild dogs threatening to eat the food before I do, so there's no need to rush. I've waited this long to eat, so I ought to make it a pleasant, leisurely experience.

Apparently, mummm would like to see me with a chocolate chip cookie in each hand!

Lord, help me!