Want to enjoy your coin collection longer? Please make time for some exercise every day.
colorcommem
Posts: 362 ✭✭✭✭
Here’s my personal experience:
Over three years ago, I weighed around 180 pounds, and all my cholesterol levels were above the healthy range. My family doctor at Sutter Health recommended that I start taking medication to control it. But I really didn’t want to rely on medication for the rest of my life.
So I began jogging and walking every morning for about an hour and a half—averaging around 5 miles a day. After sticking with it consistently for more than three years, I now weigh around 150 pounds, and all my cholesterol levels are back to normal—without taking any medication.
What drove me to be so determined was my memory of my mother, who spent the last five years of her life lying in bed, staring at the ceiling every day. My brother and I had to take turns helping her with everything. I couldn’t bear the thought of my two children having to worry about me or take care of me like that.
Please note: this is just my personal experience and not medical advice. If your doctor recommends medication, you should carefully consider all the risks and benefits before making a decision. The sole purpose of my writing is, as the title suggests—if you want to enjoy your coin collection longer, I truly believe that consistent, daily exercise can help.
Comments
As a former high school and college athlete (cross country running), I agree. But as you get older its a bit more than the old joints can take. But just doing something, even standing up for 10 minutes at a time, is strengthening the bones and burning fat. I just got back from a hike around a small lake near where I live. About 3-4 miles. I saw one guy who was trying to run the same router. Very hilly and loose rocks. I usually go mountain biking on Wednesdays; I like to mix it up but don't go jogging all that much these days. (When I do I like it flat and shady). More and more hiking.
Lake Suttonfield, near Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Glen Ellen, CA
Good positive advice based on life experiences. Congratulations on your weight loss. ….very difficult to do at all ages.
The health benefits of numismatics
Ron Guth
April 7, 2015
Funny (not) I just had a Doctors appointment this morning and he told me Brisking walking is better than running, I told him that my wife cannot keep up with me, he said go for your walk first and come back and take her for a slow down walk. we will have to see how this goes. wish me luck.
Good advice. I wish I could exercise the way the docs want me to.
I couldn't agree more! I've been a primary care physician for 37 years now; I advise everyone to try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. I tell my patients it's like a free, life prolonging medication. Healthier people get more enjoyment out of their hobbies, including coin collecting. Stick a few rolls of nickels in your pockets for some extra resistance, who needs a weight vest?
People might ask if you're just glad to ... nevermind.
"To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
It's also incredibly beneficial for stress as well, as it releases endorphins that can help.
As someone who spends my day to day life in a fairly high stress environment, getting a good hour in the gym can make even the worst days feel better. It's also a rewarding experience to see the weight on lifts go up (if weightlifting is your thing).
Hopefully my year 2025 numbers will be better
I've been running since January 2000, outdoors all year long. What a gift for a 50 year old in dire need for overcoming carbohydrate addiction and bulimia. Changed my diet, discovered proper running shoes and technical clothing. At my peak, I ran 70+ miles a week. I'm running up on 76 in September and am so grateful to do 6+ every morning. Running isn't for everyone but it is for me. Peace Roy
Btw, I rotate 5 pairs, mostly Altra.
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I do about 32,000 steps a week. I hike two or three times a week. I don’t use a lot of sugar and I’ve cut way back on alcohol consumption. I don’t even enjoy it like I used to anymore. If I have four or five beers a week that’s a lot for me. I drink a lot of water. I also do dumbbell curls with about 40 pounds in each hand. That’s enough for me. Not trying to lift really heavy at this point…just trying to stay fit and not get hurt. I maintain my weight this way. Not losing any but not gaining any either. My numbers were good last time I had blood work, so I must be doing something right. At my age, I have to take some meds, as they aid in keeping me healthy.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Great advice.
I started walking (briskly) 10,000 steps a day, 7 days a week, rain or shine. I've been doing this for four+ years. My weight has slowly dropped from 199 to 187. My doc wants me sub-180. I'm hoping I can get there before my next physical. My cholesterol numbers have really improved as well. It's amazing what happens when you start moving.
Dave
This. I ran for 49 years, some of it competitively, until I wore out some body parts and had to stop running. I didn't stop, though. I went on cardio machines at the gym until Covid closed it.
Then I started walking. Not much re cardio until I checked out a two day racewalking clinic done by a former professional racewalker who was in town for it. I racewalk now. You get the same cardio burn per mile as with running. It's far more difficult than running, but because one foot is on the ground at all times, it's much easier on your musculoskeletal system, so I can continue to do cardio exercise outdoors. I also rotate altras; you need a zero drop shoe for racewalking.
Whatever you do, just get out there and move.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
Great advice. I prefer riding bicycles because it puts very little stress on one's joints and one can moderate how hard they exercise on a bike. If you're out of shape, take it easy the first few weeks and build up some stamina. Even slow riding will improve your fitness so that you can handle longer rides. I also pick up aluminum cans while I ride, so that limits my speed, but the stopping to reach down and pick up a can and then accelerating over and over again increases the physical demand on me as a rider. Once in decent shape, one can ride 30-40 miles and come home with 300-400 cans.
Walking is great, too. I've had friends lose 40-50 pounds just by walking around the neighborhood and going on hikes on scenic trails. Last year, I started walking dirt roads around my house and picking up trash. It gives me something to do (I enjoy picking up litter and recycling things for cash) while getting exercise doing it. It's low impact stuff, but you're out walking around, carrying a bucket or garbage can of trash, bending over from time to time when the grabber doesn't grab it, and cleaning up a patch of roadway which is instantly gratifying. I can feel my fitness improving after a week of walking roadways and picking up trash. Plus, crushing the cans by stepping on them adds even more exercise. It works up a sweat but so does breathing here in Florida. Every now and then, you find something of value like dropped currency, or a silver plate silverware set with sterling-handled cutlery. Last week, someone dumped a cup containing $1.80 of cents and nickels into a dumpster. It's amazing what people will discard.
I've thought of trying to recruit other seniors into cleaning up nearby roadways for exercise. However, I don't think they'd last long before they figure out that I'm totally nuts.
I just finished my daily routine of jogging and running for 5 miles. I hope my post will inspire some of my collector forum friends to start exercising regularly. As you can see from my cholesterol chart, it has really helped bring my cholesterol levels back to a healthy range.
Wow! Lots of exercisers here!
Eat well and move your body best way to live your life. Cut out the garbage like smoking and drinking (to much) and save yourself a lot of pain.
Sometimes it takes more than exercise and weight loss. High blood pressure and cholesterol run in my family so it's something I have always had to monitor. Fifteen years ago, after a discussion with my doctor, I went on a determined diet and exercise routine - in six months, I dropped my weight from 200 to 172 - 28 pounds (I'm 6' tall). Guess what, my blood pressure and cholesterol DID NOT BUDGE. So, I went on a daily dosage of 10 mg. of Lisinopril and 10 mg. of Atorvastatin (generic Lipitor) and my blood pressure and cholesterol immediately dropped. Fifteen years later, I'm keeping my weight at 175, the blood pressure is around 125/72 and the cholesterol is 155-160. Of course, I'm still walking 2-3 miles a day and I do all of my own yard work. But, in my case, I do need help from the medication but I don't regard it as any big deal and my doctor says I'm just about the healthiest 75-year-old patient she has. And yes, in two weeks, I'm be walking several miles at the ANA.
Member ANA, SPMC, SCNA, FUN, CONECA
I agree with all the exercise advice! I run 7-8 times a month, the other days I rotate between walking, biking, cardio or HIIT. Over the last 6 months I average 17,000 steps a day. My runs are usually 5k to 8k. I did a 10K in June, buts it’s too hot lately. I’ll do another 10k in September (when it’s below 70°)
For those starting simple things like parking as far away as possible from the store door, walking after dinner, even walking to the local store instead of driving. CVS and Aldi are a mile away, I just walk when I need a few things.
I’ve maintained the same weight and pant size for over 25 years and I love to eat.
My current registry sets:
20th Century Type Set
Virtual DANSCO 7070
Slabbed IHC set - Missing the Anacs Slabbed coins
My current registry sets:
20th Century Type Set
Virtual DANSCO 7070
Slabbed IHC set - Missing the Anacs Slabbed coins
Really encouraging to see all the positive health posts.
I’m in the same boat as @2ndCharter.
Without statins, my total cholesterol was 300+ in my late twenties, even with diet and exercise. I was running 10k races and bench pressing 275+. A statin got me down around 200. Years later, my new GP added Zetia, which got me down around 140. Last year he ordered an advanced lipid profile, which showed my small particle LDLs were sky high, along with my Lipoprotein (a) readings, both markers for cardiovascular disease.
Since I was only 63, we decided to do twice monthly Repatha injections, in addition to the statins. The LDL dropped to 19, and the total was sub-100. The small particle LDL was cut in half, so good news. He took me off the Zetia, and the LDL increased slightly, but the particles jumped back up also. So I may resume the Zetia pending my next results. The Lipoprotein(a) is hereditary with no medication yet. The advice is lower all the other markers as well as possible. I’m also taking krill oil, Qunol, eat sardines in olive oil, working out everyday, etc. to shift as much in my favor as possible.
I had a quadruple bypass in 2016. The doctors told me that twenty minutes of exercise per day reduces the risk of death, by any disease by 50%. He also spoke about my diet and said : “if it tastes good, spit it out”. I’m always hungry now.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
Walk, walk, walk ... good advice!
It's also a great safety valve for stress release. That's one reason I kept at it after stopping running competitively.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
For those that can lower their cholesterol by exercise and diet alone, consider yourselves lucky. As 2ndCharter alluded to, there are those of us who need meds like Atorvastatin to bring down that ghastly LDL. Walking the dog daily is not enough so I try to supplement that with brisk walks and short hikes. In my younger days, I would do long hikes but not any more -- the knees/joints can't handle it.
Formerly known as deadmunny
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66 years old, 5'10" dropped to 195 from 210. Another 10 pounds would be nice. Needed Noom diet to do this.
Have a 20+ PSA, but have had 5 biopsies and no prostate cancer! I take BP and cholesterol meds.
I like biking, walking and elliptical. I love weights, have done moderate to heavy weight for years, but 35 or 40 lb dumbbells for curling and about 50 for bench press feel good now. I have shoulder impingements from the weights. I started working on my legs for weights about 1 year ago on machines. Hiking is fun sometimes too.
Have you looked into physical therapy for your shoulders? There are many good videos on YouTube that helped me immensely with both shoulder and back issues from weight lifting (along with my volunteer job lifting and loading furniture at a thrift store warehouse). I’ve integrated pt and yoga stretches into my workouts, and my “aches and pains” are way better now.
Whoa a skyrocketing PSA! You are very lucky. My biopsy showed a Gleason 7 (intermediate stage prostate cancer), did the CyberKnife (radiation) in 2014 and am holding at PSA < 1. By the way guys, early and intermediate stage prostate cancer is very treatable these days with various types of procedures. Don't freak out. The trick is to catch it as early as possible.
Formerly known as deadmunny
Positive transactions with: slantycouch, dontippet, Gerard, Scrapman1077, USMC_6115, rah1959
I recommend cycling for your knees. It is great therapy for knee pain. I've had slight chronic pain (and 30 pounds) vanish after a long-distance tour (2000 miles) at age 53. A physical therapy doctor who was treating my brother surprised me after learning of my ride by asking me how my knees felt. I'm about 69 now and still have no knee pain.
Biking is the call for me. Running is out,shin splints concern. Like the bike as I cover more ground and enjoy the different sights that biking brings me. Have a nice off road bike path near me. Also pick up any cans along the way and donate the proceeds to a local animal shelter. Win win for me. I get exercise, animals get fed. Use the bike for library,bank, etc. runs in addition to regular riding. My insurance company gives me a small cash benefit for my monthly exercise regimen.
Hi Walkerguy!
I have thick rubber bands that help me work on the mobility and strength around the impingements. Stretching the arms to the ceiling is good for me as well. These exercises were from a physical therapist. Thank you for the recommendation! I see you like weights too!
Glad you came out of it ok! My doctor knows two brothers with 30+ PSA and no prostate cancer!
Great thread and welcomed comments.
Our computers went down at the office today so I commented to the receptionist, that is a good excuse to go for a walk. Just checked my health ap and see I clocked 3.9 miles for the day. An added bonus though, as Barberian suggested, is getting to enjoy the scenery. Here are photos from "the walk" today (Friday).
Become a dealer and set up at shows, plenty of cardio & physical activity there.😬
Just to chime in on the stretching, yoga etc.
Avid golfer here, 63, my knees were really worrying me last year when I got home from a 10 day golf trip to Scotland, I could barely walk some days for the pain.
Had an ortho take a look, said I had good cartilage and that I needed to strengthen my quads and become more flexible. Gave me a regimen for my quads, I added some stretching routines I found on YouTube. I do about 120 deep knee bend a day.
Long/short, my knees are fine, walking like a champ and leaving on a week long golf trip in a few weeks, all walking (to Bandon Dunes in Oregon, for you golfers).
So, it’s not always the case that knee surgery is required. Life is good.
I had a torn meniscus and riding my bike cured it.
A nice positive column, and good for enjoying your coins longer. As for me and my wife, we always liked to walk - especially when we travel. 20k+ steps a day ensures you can eat and drink whatever on a trip!
Both of my parents had issues with high cholesterol and blood pressure, which I appeared to have inherited. Was taking no medication until about 58, now taking a low dose statin and blood pressure med. Also lift weights 3 times a week and can bench press more than my weight. Oh, that has gone down about 25 pounds since I retired, due to all the travel and activities.
Stay active as long as possible, eat sensibly but have fun things too. I'm not about to eat alfalfa sprouts, kale and crickets for the next 20+ years. Blecch!
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@SoCalBigMark You're putting some miles on that bike! That's good.
I easily have 50K miles on "Big Red" now. Picked up literally hundreds of thousands of cans doing so as well. It's another hobby that I really enjoy, and it's fun to combine the two hobbies to earn money for this coin hobby. However, I've never owned a mountain bike.
Here's "Big Red" parked against a large cottonwood tree along the Des Moines River in SE Iowa on the way from Denver to Chicago. Big Red is 8-feet long for comparison. In the background there's a gathering of horse-riding enthusiasts for a small rodeo.
Excellent idea. I pick up trash while walking my dog.
One time I picked up a gum wrapper while walking my dog. I placed it in the closest garbage can, which happened to be out on the curb of the nearest house.
The owner came out and yelled at me for "putting dog shit in his can". Although I told him I was just putting litter that was on his curb into his can he told me to "f**k" off.
BUT back to your point. I think that bending over to pick up trash IS movement. All movement is good, and should be considered excercise. A body in motion tends to stay in motion!
Sounds like my neighbors here in north Florida.
I usually bring a grabber to pick up things but I will bend over numerous times to give my back some exercise. Lugging a 30-gallon trashcan full of empty beer bottles and cans helps as well.
A little over a year ago, my average glucose readings were around 260 on my monitor, and I weighed 260 pounds. At 6'3", my average healthy weight would be around 200 pounds, so I was well above that. My doctor warned me that I was heading toward serious health problems if I didn’t make a change, and medication might be my only option. Still, I was determined to try everything I could before committing to lifelong meds.
So I started swimming. At first, I could barely make it a few laps without feeling exhausted. But I stuck with it—gradually increasing my time and distance in the pool until I was swimming almost every day. The results went beyond what I imagined. My average glucose is now down to 97, and my weight has dropped from 260 to 185 pounds.
Swimming gave me more than just better numbers. It improved my energy, my mood, and even motivated me to connect more with my family and friends.
These are just some general tips because I don’t think many people realize the true power of swimming for health and well-being.
God comes first in everything I do. I’m dedicated to serving Him with my whole life. Coin collecting is just a hobby—but even in that, I seek to honor Him. ✝️
I've been a construction worker for 40 years this year.
Climbing up and down ladders all day. I don't know how many steps I take a day but im sure its quite a few.
You would think I would be thin and fit as a fiddle but if going to be honest I am not.
Im 6'3" and I weigh 298 lbs. I could stand to lose 30-40 lbs.
I have been 260-270 my whole life but I was put on a medicine that causes weight gain no matter how hard I try to take it off.
I've got a little belly but to be honest I carry weight pretty well. You likely would guess what I weigh.
Im going to talk to my doctor about a full screen. I don't want to die or get sick for more reasons than one.
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
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I had my first attack of acute pancreatitis on Oct. 5th 1993. I have fought a disease called Hereditary Pancreatitis ever since. The year I turned 48 three gatro doctors and the head of major surgery at the University Of Minnesota spend a heated afternoon trying to convince me I should have an operation that required a 3 year in hospital stay and had a 90 day surivial rate of 7.85 %. I kept demanding they explain WHY anyone would take such low odds. They finally said it was because I had less than a 50% chance of making it to 55 and no viable path to reach 65. I am 64 now. Every evil thing they said would come my way has come to pass save one. They say my chances of pancreatic cancer are 60%. On the other hand Dr. Freeman says I am the reigning heavyweight champion at defeating this disease. james
I'd love to be able to walk normally again. Unless I'm pushing a shopping cart it can be difficult. As soon as I start my lower back muscles tighten up and it feels like it's bending me over and bringing me to a stop. 10 minutes of puttering outside and I feel like I can hardly walk back into the house. Can't really stand being on my feet. I do use an exercise bike daily.
I've been pre-diabetic for who knows for how long. That condition did cause nerve damage in my left lower leg and foot. In early March my A1c was 6.9 with 7.0 being diabetic. With mostly dietary changes in early June it was 5.3. Cut way back on carbs, starches, breads, plain oatmeal and no honey.
I have hypercortisolism MACS Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion. One ramification is weight gain, esp. around the middle. IMO the only way to lose weight is don't eat much or at all. The GLP-1 meds do essentially that by making you feel full reducing the hunger pangs. There is an OTC product called Skinny Fiber which works similarly. I had benign growths on both adrenal glands which were also producing cortisol. Had one adrenal gland and growth removed about a year ago and I still over-produce on cortisol. At 77 I still have pretty good knees tho.
@BAJJERFAN . Have you tried any of those copper lined back supports? I have 1 friend who had to have numerous back operations and says the brace changed his life. I have another who says the braces put to much pressure on their back. Good luck either way and good luck collecting. James
Never heard of them. During my research visit to Mayo in early June my endocrinologist finagled me an appt with one of their spine specialists. He had essentially nothing to add except the possibility of RF ablation to control pain through deadening of nerve endings.
@pcgsregistrycollector:
Nice going! I’ve been a swimmer most of my life. These days, I do 60 laps (just over 1/2 mile) + water walk for another 1/4 mile. 5-6 days a week & it’s absolutely wondrous. It never ceases to amaze me how much better life is due to swimming & that definitely includes coin collecting!
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
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@BAJJERFAN . I have found that sometimes you have to be proactive. My wife has 40% paralysis in her left leg. The doctors and shoe guy all insisted only this rigid brace that causes her great pain and damage could help her. We buy a flexible cloth brace at Walmart for $20 dollars and it has helped her tremendously. Good luck again. james
Keep fighting the good fight.