Last Monday at physical therapy, I was dutifully pedaling along on the stationary bike when I noticed a tennis match on the big screen TV. The two players were in peak physical condition, sprinting, stopping, starting, leaping, and flinging themselves around in all manner of ways, seemingly without breaking a sweat or getting out of breath despite some intense competition.
I watched them from the seat of my bike and thought, “Oh, to have as much stamina as they do.”
I pondered my current physical exertion: pedaling in a semi-spirited manner for an entire six minutes. There was no stand full of fans cheering and yelling when I finished the first three minutes, then switched to pedaling backward for the final three minutes. It was certainly an underwhelming display of physical prowess.
I see one of two different therapists. On this particular day, it was Justin who took me from the bike over to the tables to start our session. He told me to lie down on my back, and so I heaved myself up there in an ungainly manner, making tiny little grunts in the process. He said, “Now I’m going to get on this table beside you and demonstrate what this next exercise looks like.”
He then stood beside the table and, in a fraction of a second, had levitated into the air and laid himself down on the table with nary a grunt or a groan.
I thought, “Oh, to be as limber as that.”
About thirty minutes into the session, it was time for the dreaded “Sit on the floor and get back up, while using a chair for support,” exercise. I have come to find out that I have very weak legs, and while many people can get on the floor and pop back up without a second thought, it is a huge deal for me.
The goal was to get down and back up four times; however, after the second time, I was so out of breath that Justin told me to take a quick break. He stepped away for a moment, and as I sat like a beached whale in the middle of the floor, I felt tears coming to my eyes. I was so frustrated by how difficult it was to do a simple task.
All I could think of was the tennis players about on the screen and Justin gracefully landing on the table after one tiny little leap. And I couldn’t even get off the floor without the possibility of having a crane called in to dislodge me from my spot.
I have come to find out an unsettling truth about myself which I was informed of by my other therapist, Lily.
And just what is that truth? I am a plopper.
If you’re not familiar with what a plopper is, it’s someone who gets halfway down to a seated position on a chair and then lets gravity take over. As a result, they end up plopping down onto the chair instead of doing a controlled descent and arriving on the chair plop-less.
When Lily told me this news, my word brain kicked in and I said, “I’m a plopper, am I? Well, at least I’m a proper plopper!”
She had already started into her polite, “Isn’t this dear old lady so amusing,” laugh when she suddenly stopped and genuinely laughed out loud. She said, “That was really funny! A proper plopper.”
It’s nice to have a bit of humor amid the exercises because PT is exhausting. It’s humbling. It takes up a lot of time on top of the long hours I am already working. It’s easy to want to quit.
I had recently had with a friend. She told me something she’d read, which said in essence, “Each decision we make now impacts the decisions we will be able to make in the future.”
I filled in the blanks of that quote by thinking, “If I want to take a walking tour of a historical site with Steve in five years, I am going to have to work on strengthening my legs today. If I want to live independently as the years pass, I need to prepare for that now.”
I am 63 years old.
I have erosive osteoarthritis, lung disease, and degenerative disc disease. I am overweight. I am not flexible. I am not strong. But even though I will never be a pro tennis player or a physically fit therapist, I can be in better shape than I am right now. I can take better care of myself in the years to come.
So I am faithfully trudging along on this path. Watching elite athletes on TV while I diligently pedal my bike. Working at home on my list of PT exercises. Watching my food intake. Drinking more water. Doing the hard work as best I can.
I have a lot of reasons for wanting to reach my goals.
But these four? These are some of the most important ones.
What about you?
How are you at getting up off the floor?
What decisions have you made (or are you currently making) to build a better future?
Have you been to PT? What was the experience like for you?
Are you a proper plopper?
I am getting lots of practice getting up and down off the floor these days because of four grands four and under with two more on the way! I am thankful I can and hope to for a long time yet. My mom could well into her eighties. I didn’t appreciate it then as much as I do now!
One of my favorite pastors to listen to each week (other than our own!) is Joby Martin from the Church of Eleven 22 (crazy name for a church, but it is very theologically sound; they teach the Word!). He made a comment during a recent sermon that continues to resonate with me: “when we are babies we look like our parents; when we are adults we look like our decisions.” I keep thinking about that and asking God to help me make good decisions in what I eat, how much I exercise, and how I spend my time. The grandchildren are great incentives to continue to make good decisions, with God’s help.
DeLynn,
Sounds like you’re going to end up with 6 grands under five? Your arms will be full and your “getting up from the floor muscles” will be strong. Amazing your mom could do that well into her eighties.
I love that quote from Joby Martin. (And I loved the church website, too; spent some time there.) That is one of those quotes that apply to so many areas of life. Thanks for sharing it.
And enjoy those grands!
Yes, six under 5! It’s kind of shocking to me. I thought when the first two came we were so prepared because we had a crib and a pack and play — two sleeping places! 😂
I am glad you looked at the COE22 website. I don’t know what you listen to on your drives to and from work, but perhaps you’d enjoy giving a listen to the podcast of their messages. Pastor Joby is a bit brash, but he is SO faithful to the Scriptures. He is an excellent communicator and teacher; his teaching is exceedingly practical (and convicting!). They also produce a podcast most weeks that is a debrief of the sermon — Joby and a couple of the other pastors on staff. I love listening to that also.
Do you know of the author Charles Martin? He is a member of the church. Sometimes is on the podcast. He is a wonderful man of God.
You don’t need to reply to this comment! I didn’t mean to make more work for you! 😊
DeLynn,
I love replying to comments!
Yes, I have read several of Martin’s books and have loved them. How cool that he is active as a Christian and in the church.
And I love hearing of a pastor who is faithful to Scriptures. Sounds like a wonderful place.
Enjoy chasing after all those babies and toddlers. You are blessed!
Oh Becky! Yes I have been to PT. One thing I told myself is that there are so many people they see every day at different stages in their journey to get better. They are use to every case scenario you could throw at them. They are there to help you and care for you. Let them. Be yourself, and don’t get discouraged. I know some days are hard. But I know you can push through this.
I found out I can get up off the floor by myself this week when I fell in the living room. Right down face first. I’m glad and thankful I didn’t have to get up 3 times!! 🤭
Keep doing what you are doing. Your family and friends are so proud of you!😘
Oh, I’m definitely a Plopper. 🤪
Carol,
I’m right there with you–but working on it!
Carol,
Yes, you did great getting up after that big fall! Too bad no one was gathered around to give you a round of applause.
Thanks for your encouragement about P.T. It really is a process and, as you said, the therapists have seen everyone at all stages of their journey. PT’s seem to be encouragers at heart which I really appreciated because it’s really hard work. The last thing anyone needs is a grumpy therapist! 🙂
Hope you’re recovering well from the fall. See you in October!
I once had someone tell me that every yes is a no to something else. Every time we agree to do something we are having to sacrifice something else. Time is the only currency we use without knowing how much we have left. I think it’s important to take care of our bodies at any age, but especially at our age. I’m a few years younger than you, but not many and as my health has changed, I have found it more important than ever to make healthier decisions. I park farther away from the store, take the stairs when I can, and other small things that I hope will equal big things as I get older.
I feel like I’ve been blessed with relatively good health. I sometimes see people with walkers, in wheelchairs, or simply struggling to walk, and I am reminded to be grateful for a sore back or a little bit of neuropathy in my feet. It’s easy to compare myself to athletic giants and know that I never have been or ever will be in their league. And that’s okay!
I have my sweet grandbaby and another one on the way and that’s my why! He’s keeping me young and busy and that’s the best part.
About the plopping… My parents used to fuss at me for plopping on furniture. They were so strict about sitting down slowly and gently that it is ingrained in me. My husband and both of my children (now adults) are also ploppers. I tried to tell them and show them how to sit down gracefully and gently, but their ploppers. I’m not sure how proper they are, but ploppers nonetheless.
Lisa,
What a great quote and it applies to so many areas of life. Thanks for sharing that.
I love your habits of ingraining fitness into the everyday areas of life. I have got to break my habit of always looking for the nearest parking space. Those extra steps are important!
I am incredibly grateful to be as fit as I am–driving, traveling, working, playing with my grands. As you said, there are many people in our age bracket who would be ecstatic to have our health.
It sounds like you may have a losing battle on your hands with your husband and kids and their plopping habits. 🙂 Kudos to your parents or teaching you the art of non-plopping!
I love the quote about how our decisions now influence our future! Such wonderful comments from your readers. So many of us are, or have dealt with physical and health challenges. Oh but to feel healthy and strong! Doing the PT and having good experts advise you along is great. My husband did PT for some issues a while back. Best folks ever! They taught him so many “tricks” on how to get use in his hand back, after some surgery! I’m glad you are happy with your PT team. I’m guessing they learn much from their patients, and are inspired as they see the hard won successes of their patients.
I’m not a plopper, but a propper – as I use my hands and arms to sort of prop myself up, as well as lifting myself up, rather than focusing on leg strength to do the work. I might be a proper propper!
When you get to the point of more easily rising from the floor, the exaltation will be close to that of the winner of the tennis match! And what an inspiration you can be to your grandkids. In the hare and tortoise story, the message is slow and steady wins the race. Here’s to being like a turtle!!
Ann,
Oh! Great play on words! I took me a sec to get the “propper” spelling but that was so witty!
Yes, I’ve really enjoyed reading all the comments on this post with so many sharing their stories. (My favorite aspect of getting comments.)
So glad your husband got help from going to PT. It’s true what you said about them teaching us “tricks” about how to do things better, more safely, and more efficiently. PT therapists are amazing people and I’m thankful for them.
And yes, when I am able to get up from the floor a little more easily I will be a Happy Tortoise, indeed!
I have told myself a time or two that I need to stop just plopping into chairs or one day I will break them. I guess I am a proper plopper! Sorry, but I don’t really want to be in the Proper Plopper Club. After this post I will be much more careful and intentional with how I sit from now on. I seriously need to get in better shape and take better care of myself. I really do want to live a long and healthy and mobile life!!
Will you please pray for my best friend’s Daddy? He is dying and it’s just too sad! He’s always been so healthy and strong. Just this past year he has been helping my bff and her husband completely renovate their house from too to bottom. I’m talking lifting heavy things and even working on the floors on his knees. He was in great shape! Just since Feb of this year he has declined so much. He’s been diagnosed with 3 forms of cancer, one of which is pancreatic and was missed in May. It had since started spreading and he’s just too weak to do treatments. It’s terrible, Becky. It makes no sense!! Please pray for him and his family. He is their rock, the one who always takes care of everything! 😭💔🙏🏼
Lizz,
Oh my. What a shock to the family to see their dad/husband so healthy to the point where he was doing so much physical work. And then to go from there to being too weak even to do treatment is beyond comprehension.
Your words, “He is their rock, the one who always takes care of everything,” sums up their situation so well. He sounds like he is so well-loved. I will pray for him and the family. Hugs. 💖
You’ve got this. Becky! So right I need to work on this now! As long as I can get on my knees first, I can rise from the floor…maybe not as gracefully as when younger, lol! My experience with PT was more a “jump through the hoops for insurance” experience. Long story.
Guerrina,
My PT tried to have me get on my knees first before getting up but I have arthritis in my knees so that isn’t really doable. At least you can still get up, even if not super gracefully. I’m quite sure it’s more graceful than me.
I’m sorry your PT experience wasn’t good. I have been so impressed with this place I am going; I think they really make a difference.
How are you at getting up off the floor? Well I rarely sit in chairs these past 5 years since Ann went to Heaven. I use an easy chair that’s lifts me up to aid getting out of the chair. As for getting up off the floor when I fall, I don’t. I call EMS to get me up off the floor.
Jim,
Those lift chairs are wonderful, aren’t they? My mom had one and loved it.
Hard to believe it’s been five years since Ann passed. She was a bright shining light in this world!
Ah, yes, a proper plopper. Depending on how far away that chair or couch is – that is what I am becoming. After my knee went out last year, I continue to walk on trails with my husband but can feel a kink in it every once in a while. It also will start to hurt while walking, but find I need to continue walking for it not to hurt. The doctor told me if it had continued to give me trouble, he suggested PT. The majority of the time I do well. Thankfully I have not had to go that route. I have osteoarthritis in my wrists but also feel it in my ankles once in a while. In church I try not to gasp when a pain shoots in my wrist – it is not, thank the Lord, continuous pain. Years wise, I am about 20 years older than you and when I think of my age, I tell myself that that is someone else’s age – inside I am about 45. We continue to pray daily for the whole family, for healing where needed and safety.
Sharyn,
I love that you and your husband walk on trails together and have kept yourselves healthy enough to do that. You’re an inspiration.
The hardest thing for me in church (speaking of hands) is when someone gives me an extra firm handshake. Ouch!
Thank you so much for your prayers for our family over the years; you are such an encouragement.
My balance isn’t what it used to be (63 here, too) so I prefer something to hold onto as I get up. But I think I have more leg strength than arm strength. Fortunately I’ve never had to go to physical therapy. And I’m probably closer to a proper plopper than primly sitting down. I really like your quote about the decisions we make today affecting the decisions we are ABLE to make in the future – Very inspirational. Have a wonderful week!
Sue Ellen,
Glad to know another proper plopper!
Yes, I love that quote, too. So good to keep in mind.
Becky, the only time I’ve gotten off the floor in 10 years was when 2 firemen lifted me up just enough to get me onto a strecher… broken femur. So in my mind you are an Olympic star! I’ve been to PT many times and places (that pesky femur fracture). The last one was the best at PT’ing, but when I told him that I would not be able to come regularly because I had lung cancer he gave me a long leture about the need for PT. I was raw after my diagnosis, so my diplomacy was missing and I told him that I had a potentially fatal problem and I need to take care of that or they’d have to roll me in to PT in a hearse. As for a decision for a better future, I know that surgery is the most effective for ridding lung tumors, with radiation a close second. I opted for radiation because I knew that being in a hospital after lung surgery would put be back to the beginning of all the PT work I’d done since my femur issue. On the plus side (?) I definitely am not a plopper, but that’s only because I can’t sit onto anything that doesn’t have arms to guide me onto the seat, and the arms help me sit gently. Oh, I request a few points for effort: I’m 81.
Jan,
Well, at the PT place, I was wishing for some firemen to come and help me up! 🙂
I’m not sure your PT-er was fully understanding your explanation of having to stop PT because of lung cancer. My diplomacy would have gone missing, too!
I’m sorry to hear of your lung cancer diagnosis and am glad you have chosen a treatment that works well for you. Please keep us in touch here at Smithellaneous.
I’m 66. Still working with preschool kids. We use grown up classrooms so everything is done on the floor. One minute everything is fine. The next someone is standing on the window sill. So I can still get up and chase after the kids. I had hip replacement surgery in 2013. P.T. was hard but effective. As for the future, I bicycle a lot for leg strength and cardiovascular fitness but my husband loves screen time so we are limited in what we can do together. You may want to write down the date you needed a break after rising from the floor twice so you can document progress when you can do it four times. As for encouragement it seems like physical fitness is a curve. Once you can do an exercise (bicycling 6 minutes), adding more time is easier than those first attempts. My Mom said ” nothing worthwhile is easy”. I hope you keep plugging away at it.
Cheers, Mary
Mary,
Kudos to your for getting up off the floor fast enough to safe a child a fall from the window sill! At 66, that is great! Working with kids has a way of keeping one young.
Bicycle riding is such a fun activity; I need to do it more. Unfortunately, our neighborhood is very hilly and I only have a standard bike so it may be more than I can handle right now.
Good idea about making a note about when the two floor get ups was my limit. Hopefully, I will be increasing my strength each week and will be able to move that number up.
Thanks for your encouragement.
I can relate to this so much! I am 50, and had a stroke two years ago at 48. I have to practice getting up off the floor every day, because of my fall risk. And I do fall a lot, so it’s good to make sure that I can get myself back up again. I have to practice getting up from a chair, using my walker for support. I have to squeeze my little green foam block every day, so I can grasp things in my left hand. I have to practice turning my head to the left and back again. It’s humbling. 🙂 But I’ll keep doing it, so I can cuddle my grandson, and be as able-bodied as possible for my kids, grandson, and husband.
And I’m pretty sure I’m a plopper too. 🙂
And…I just graduated from my last therapy today! Praise God! In two years I’ve complete PT, OT, vestibular therapy, and now neuro-vision. <3
Jessica,
Congratulations on your last therapy visit! With that list you gave, I hereby deem you to be a therapy professional!
I really admire you for your diligence in your daily exercises. It’s so easy to skip a day, and then two days. You are doing great! I wish you many happy moments with your kids, grandson and husband.
Ha! too funny Bec! You made me laugh outloud–for real!!
So funny and I relate so much–to get off the floor is about impossible! We three sisters are in the same boat here–(hope it has good lifejackets!)
Do what you can do and count yourself blessed to do many other things beside these hard areas of physical strength.
There is also the exciting possibilty of looking into getting an electric scooter! (yes you heard it here first)
The sit- down style scooter of course– helpful for the gently aging folk of the general population who become stranded on the floor at times–I am considering it myself…
Ruth
Ruth,
Glad I made you “laugh out loud for real!” I’m sure you can picture a lot of that and relate to it so well.
There is a woman at work who has an electric scooter and she gets around so well on it. Since you’re already a moped gal, an electric scooter would be easy-peasy for you.
Physical therapy is such a good thing! I really enjoy it when it’s needed, especially when I can see the fruits of my labor!
Getting off the floor is a chore! My legs are also weak and I do sit too much (desk job). I plan to ask for some PT sessions at my annual gp visit.
I do not plop! My mother would not allow it so I’m a controlled sitter and stander. She would get so angry with me if she caught me plopping (she called it flopping – haha).
I’m 58. We recently spent an extended weekend in NYC where we walked 10,000-13,000 steps per day. I can still do that with minimal rest, but the extent of that exercise – combined with my being out of shape and overweight – really lit a fire under me. I am weighing/measuring everything I put in my mouth, and I’ve lost 4 pounds since then. I’m always WAYYYYY off when I “guess” at serving sizes or calorie counts so I use my kitchen scale and an app to make sure I’m staying on track.
You can do this!!! Getting old is not for the faint of heart! ❤️❤️
(trying to post – the first time I submitted, this went “poof” into the ether!!!)
Stefanie,
I also use an app for keeping track of calories called My Fitness Pal. I’ve been using it (off and on) for over 10 years. It really does help in keeping track of those pesky calories.
You did great to walk that many steps in NYC! Glad you were inspired to continue to work on better fitness.
I agree that PT can be enjoyable when you feel like you are making progress. Sometimes exercising on your own is difficult because you’re not sure what you should do or if you’re doing it right. Having a therapist right there for immediate feedback is great.
Glad you’re not a plopper/flopper! Definitely something for me to work on.
Hello Becky, at the age of 78 (ten years and one day ahead of Steve!) I think I am just a plopper. My legs are very weak. Therefore, if I accidentally wind up on the floor – I literally have to call the local rescue department to come help me up. That usually happens about once a year. I am proud of your work with PT! Keep on properly plopping!
Fred,
Well, at least you have a little drama in your life with the rescue department making their annual visit to your house. 🙂
I think at the age of 78, you should be allowed a little plopping.
Always good to hear from you; say hi to Lucy!
I’m not as limber as I used to be. I’m 66. But I walk daily or at least I try to. I drink lots of water and watch what I eat. I USED to have osteoporosis. My last bone scan came back normal! Isn’t that amazing?!? My Dr. attributes it to my daily walking routine of 3 to 5 miles.
I’m not a plopper but getting back up off the floor is hard for me too so don’t feel bad there! I try not to get there in the first place. Lol
Keep up the hard work. It will pay off. I love the smile on your face with your grands. It says it all!!
Lee Anne,
What a great feeling to have an osteoporosis scan come back normal and know that you did something to make that happen. Congratulations for working so hard at staying healthy.
Glad I’m not the only one who is challenged by getting up off the floor. When did that floor get so far down there? 🙂
I’m 61 and while not terribly overweight, I’ve had my share of struggles with it. I’m in a really good place currently. I have a couple of quotes/mantras I repeat when I’m not motivated to do my daily 4 mile walk and other exercises.
Not fast, not far, just forward. I heard this one from a woman while running a 5K a few years ago. She had hip replacement surgery 6 months prior.
Can’t and won’t (or don’t want to) are not the same thing. A classic from my mother. It applies to so many situations.
Somewhere, someone weaker, uglier and dumber is getting this done. Don’t let doubt finish first! This advice was given to my daughter when she entered the US Coast Guard Academy.
I’m adding the one you shared about decisions! Thanks!
Kristy,
I love inspiring quotes! It sounds like you are taking the quotes and the challenges seriously if you are walking 4 miles a day and doing other exercises, as well.
I just saw another one that said, “Discipline is just choosing between what you want now and what you want most.”
Keep up the good work, Kristy!
I too, look at others and think, gosh, I wish I could do that or was that limber. Then, I think of those who are wheelchair bound and I say Thank You Lord that I can walk and get around as well as I do. I cannot get down on the floor anymore with my knees unfortunately. One knee replacement done and the other one needs “doing” yet 🙂
But, like you. I will keep on keeping on and try to improve my health, my diet etc to be able to spend fun times with my children and grandchildren. Wendy
Wendy,
That is so true about looking at people who are physically not able to do what I can and being grateful for the abilities I have.
Joint replacement is amazing and makes such a difference in quality of life. (At least it did for Steve!)
Keep on doing what you’re doing and enjoying your wonderful kids and grands!