I watched a show recently in which one of the characters was trying to get in shape to meet an old flame. The actor was about 50 years old at the time. In a scene in which he was slowly and painfully doing successive sit-ups, the sweat was pouring from his brow and I’m willing to bet that the sweat was real.
Remember sit-ups? Remember having abdominal muscles? I got to thinking about whether or not I’d still be able to do a sit-up. I couldn’t. Then I got to thinking maybe it would be good for me to get reacquainted with those abdominal muscles. You never know when a sit-up might be required to do something important, like get up off the floor.
You hear about older people getting to the point where they can’t get up off the floor when they fall. It’s happened to my mother several times. First of all, there’s the problem of falling. Do we just lose our balance as we get older? Then there’s the inability to get up. I’m not sure how you lose that ability, but I don’t want it to happen to me, so I’ve started working at trying to do a basic sit-up. Just one. I haven’t had success yet, but I think I’m getting closer. The muscles that have been dormant, lo these many years, are going to get put back into action! I’ll let you know when they’ve finally shown up again, ready for duty.
I’ll probably put my blog post on a backyard swing in the morning and let it go ‘round and ‘round.
Lynniebeemuseoday 
You may want to investigate “crunches” and begin doing those rather than old-fashioned sit-ups, which can be hard on your back. Especially at our age. :~) Good luck!
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Good point! I would never attempt to do the old-fashioned sit-ups – probably should have mentioned that. I sort of think of crunches and sit-ups in the same category, but the main thing I’m trying to do is strengthen the abdominal muscles in ways that don’t hurt my back. Thanks for the comment!
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Hi Lynnie!
A suggestion regarding sit-ups: Don’t torture yourself (and possibly hurt your back/neck…). Life is too short (and we’re too critical of ourselves..) to waste time on fruitless endeavors. (I speak from experience😵!). Instead of sit-ups try doing Planks (look online).
Not necessarily “easier”, but a great exercise for gaining core muscle strength. And, BTW, kayaking is also a great – and enjoyable – way to strengthen core muscles (not talking about “6-pack abs – that’s so yesterday..!). Because of our chilly
“Spring” I have yet to get out on the water…🙁, but hopefully soon! You are most cordially invited to go kayaking with me (easy, scenic paddle thru some Mississippi backwaters about 10 minutes from my house). I recently sold a kayak and then purchased one that has a roomy cockpit (easier entry and exit) and stable (non-tippy) hull that I bought for the specific purpose of introducing “novices” to the joys of kayaking. Yikes – from sit-ups to planks to kayaks: a wandering narrative, indeed..!
(Parenthetically) yours,
– Teresa Who Just Might Have a Case of Late-Spring Induced Cabin Fever
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About 7 years ago or so I injured my back doing gardening work and have been doing stretches ever since then to make sure I’m not susceptible to recurring back problems. However, I have neglected the core, hence the desire to strengthen those abdominal muscles. I’m not working on the old-fashioned sit-ups though, more of a modified crunch. Doing planks is also an excellent idea – thanks. I would give kayaking a try!
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