Bus Friends
Routines While on Wheels 

I’ve written this column for several years and am amazed at how the places and people have changed during that time period. Not only the architecture of our towns and cities has changed into multi level buildings with stunning colors, but have the passengers who ride Palm Tran buses on a regular basis. I’ve watched people over the months lose twenty, thirty pounds and others who’ve gained that much and more. It’s not difficult to understand how this can happen, especially during our hard economic situations that we all are experiencing on our own personal level. One thing I’ve discovered since writing this column is that there are ways to learn how to be more patient, serene, and happy about life and caring for others. This means while waiting for the bus and on the bus, especially if there are no seats. 

I started an exercise routine when I have to stand on a crowded bus and it’s really working for my upper arms. It’s very simple. Put one hand at a time on the bar above your head, pull down with all your strength, and bend your knees while pulling. Repeat 20 times on each arm. If you’re standing and have a back pack or brief case or any other bag that you’re carrying, put it between your legs which will help you with leverage while performing the exercise. Another great way to get in shape and stay in shape is to walk as much as possible. I walk from the Boynton Beach Mall to an office on Boynton Beach Blvd, six days a week twice a day which is a mile each way. Even though we have trolleys and shuttle buses in most of our downtown areas, it’s a good idea to think of walking to your destination as much as you can. I see a tremendous difference in my thighs and legs and I’m proud of developing and sticking with this accomplishment. As we get older it’s easy to just sit around and let things be. But, I now know from experience that the aging process can be put on hold if we think of our physicality first. And what better way to do that than by having to ride on public transportation every day of the week. What do you think? Please send me an e-mail Gwendolyn_Bernhard@yahoo.com.

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