Sunday, March 5, 2023

Seniors: Sit and Get Fit...Yes, Really

 

My mother just celebrated her 94th birthday two days ago.

She experienced her first fall three years ago while walking into to a fitness class. Her second fall, the same year, was on the front stoop while entering her home.

My mother is not particularly athletic. In fact, she'll be the first to tell you so, but she has always tried to stay fit and is active - physically, socially, etc. She will go to the gym and walk or stroll through the neighborhood when the opportunity arises and the assistance is available. This is not often enough.

She has no fear of leaving this world, but she's not going to do so lying around waiting for such.

Several months ago we noticed her toddling. You know, taking those little quarter-steps without hardly raising one's feet.

During that time, I saw a TV ad for Cubii. I was interested.

We had planned to get her one for her birthday, but I couldn't wait any longer after she recently told me about a few times when she felt less confident with her legs. She had learned when and where to use her rollator or cane, and also travel solo, somewhat safely. But, this was cause for alarm.

This was and is my thought: Seniors become less active, less mobile, therefore spending less time using or exercising their legs, the very body part which keeps them mobile and off the ground, the floor.

It's a self-fulfilling problem: Quit using one's legs and mobility lessens and potential for injury increases.

Cubii seemed like a viable solution to this problem. It was.

I ordered the base model with the floor pad and foot straps - not the mobile unit or all the app stuff, knowing Mom would never not take advantage of it. The ordering process was easy and shipping was quick despite choosing standard shipping. Assembly was somewhat easy; however, don't expect a senior to do so easily. 

She began using Cubii the night we gave it to her and used it most anytime she sat in one of her favorite spots - at the end of her couch near an end table where she can do crosswords, read, watch TV, make phone calls or enjoy a glass of wine.

Within as little as two days she wasn't toddling. She wasn't taking full adult strides, but she was taking longer strides and lifting her feet off the ground, not shuffling. Yesss! Go Mom.

The Cubii is pretty much a recumbent bicycle in a much, much smaller footprint. And, it is smooth and quiet.

Within the last week my mother's sister and an acquaintance have ordered a Cubii.

Check it out at https://www.cubii.com/ and Get Cubiing!!

You may help a loved one get fit and stay above ground, in more ways than one.


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