Sandra Cashman Palmer: Jump-starting the fun in her life

Last update: November 15, 2009 - 7:59 PM

What doesn't she do? I do a lot of walking. I do trampoline, gymnastics, biking and mini tramp, baton, water skiing, tennis, golf, rollerblading, ice skating, yoga and qi gong. I swim laps and do water jogging, and if there's a diving board I'll do flips. I do handstands and walk on my hands. On FitTV, they always have 24 hours of exercise on, so I just love doing different things they have on there. I think the key is mixing it up. A lot of times I'll go to the library and check out DVDs; they're free! Like I just checked out "Yoga Booty Ballet," and I'll get dancing ones, too.

Driving force Fun is my motive in life. I just absolutely love activities. I love sports, I love life and I love having fun. I think the love of life and fun keeps you fit and in shape. The secret and key to life is to make everything fun. Everything's a mind-set. If you think something's going to be hard and a drudge, then that's what's going to happen. If you change your mind-set and say, "This is fun," then it will be. Like I didn't used to like cleaning, and then I changed my mind-set and turned it into exercise and fun.

Generational energy The best thing my parents did is they got us into activities when we were little. When I was 5 years old, I was twirling the baton at the Anoka High School parade at the homecoming in front of everyone. When I was 6 years old, I was on TV walking on my hands. I have four kids and passed on the same.

Dearest to her pumping heart Probably my trampoline is my favorite. I go on my trampoline and say affirmations; I'm a big believer in affirmations. The trampoline is good for the brain, the heart, the lymphatic system. It circulates more oxygen to tissues and detoxifies the body. It helps you sleep better. If I'm not on the big trampoline, I'll do the little trampoline, so I'm probably on it five days a week. Sometimes it might be just for 5 or 10 minutes, but when it's really beautiful outside I'm out there longer.

Parting words from a firecracker Anybody can be fit at any age; it's all an attitude. It's all in your mind, and if you love life, then it's important to take care of your body. It's much easier to prevent than to cure.

SARAH MORAN

CONTACT US If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for "How I Got This Body," e-mail us at body@startribune.com and include your name, age, contact information and an explanation of your fitness story.

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