Knit and Fit at Alpaca Direct
Every Tuesday night from 6-8 p.m., we have an open knitting night at our yarn shop in Hayden. This is a time where local knitters help each other with projects and get a little break from the weekly demands of work and home.
We recently invited my personal fitness trainer, Matt Grogan, to join us for a "Knit and Fit" night at Alpaca Direct. I would highly recommend using a personal trainer because it keeps your motivation up and helps maximize your time while training.
The goal was to show our knitters, who often sit for long periods, how to knit and avoid the stiff backs, sore necks and strained hands that can occur with long hours of knitting.
He showed us how to use an SMR (self myofascial release) roller to get the knots out of our backs, necks, shoulders, etc. It's like giving yourself the benefits of massage without paying the hefty bill that comes along with it. The SMR rollers are sold at Big 5 and other sporting goods stores for about $30.
Sore hands can be a problem for knitters this time of year, as we work long hours to finish those handmade gifts. Matt demonstrated simple hand exercises that will help us knit for longer periods with less discomfort. For those with arthritis, we carry ergonomic crochet hooks and square knitting needles to help with your grip.
He encouraged us to make sure to take frequent breaks when knitting, and to stand up and stretch to give our legs and body a break from the sitting position. Sitting for long periods makes some of our muscles overactive and we can actually get "stuck" in that position as we age, resulting in difficulty standing up straight.
Matt also helped our knitting group with balance issues, which can occur as we age. Having good balance is extremely important for simple activities of daily living, like walking up stairs or getting around town on a cold snowy day. Lack of balance can cause injuries over time, and can be corrected or lessened by doing some simple daily exercises like balancing on your toes.
The ski slopes open this weekend and I plan to be on them, enjoying the first wave of winter snow. Having good balance will help keep me safe while having fun. You don't want to catch yourself saying, "When I was younger I could and I would, but not any more."
No way, not me. I want to always be able to put on some skis, or get on my horse and take off at a canter. I want to live each and every day to the fullest. My secret is that I take care of myself the best that I can by eating "clean" as much as possible, exercising often, and always using my mind creatively, like coming up with new knitwear designs for my loved ones and our customers. I would encourage you to do the same.
Take good care of yourself, and use and develop your talents to fullest. You may surprise yourself and get more out of life than you ever dreamed, while helping others along the way.
In case you have not heard about us, Alpaca Direct is a direct merchant of high quality yarn, socks, apparel and gifts. We carry a full line of fiber art accessories, including hundreds of needles and thousands of yarns. Our unique selection of products also includes Peruvian alpaca sweaters, hand-loomed lace scarves, performance alpaca socks and cuddly alpaca teddy bears.
Our building is easy to find, and handicap accessible with ample parking. We are located just two blocks west of Highway 95 in Hayden.
Our store is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Visit us at 1016 W. Hayden Ave. or online at www.AlpacaDirect.com - your local destination for luxury yarn, apparel and gifts. "Like" us on Facebook and Yelp for exclusive coupons, product spotlights and news!
Kelley Hobart, RN, is the owner of Alpaca Direct.