silver foxes

At some time I had bought my mother a Richard Simmon's tape -- Richard Simmons and the Silver Foxes. She never used it and I think scoffed at me when I originally purchased it for her, an exercise video for seniors.

During her last months I would go out and inline skate whenever I was able to, a necessary release to keep stress at bay and an attempt to gain positive momentum. During her last weeks I could not leave her alone, and feeling the need to destress even more, I pulled out the Silver Foxes video.

I had managed to keep my legs and cardio in shape, but my upper body and arms were, and are, pathetic. The Silver Foxes circa 1986 were the parents of famous celebrities; they included Sal Pacino (you can see where Al got a lot of his charisma from), Harry Hoffman -- father of Dustin, Jacqueline Stallone -- mother to Rocky, Pauline Fawcett -- mother to Farrah, and Richard's mother Shirley. Richard Simmons is pretty funny at any time.

Though my mother had never shown any interest in this video before, she found it quite humourous now. I'm not sure if it was the Silver Foxes in their pastel workout suits, the women with their hands covered in rings, their hair lacquered to a sheen; the men, especially Sal, lookin' kinda good, and Richard of course being Richard -- or if it was me, finding these very basic, low-impact routines a strettttccccchhhhhh.

It seemed to be a combination of all of the above. She was quite taken with the whole routine, and thought I should do it every day. Well, I didn't do it every day.

But, I did it today. I've been sitting at a computer too much, sitting reading too much, and have been feeling my body wither around me. Who better than the Silver Foxes to gently awaken my non-existent shoulder muscles?

Have to build up slowly so I can attempt "Sweatin' to the Oldies - 2."