What is exercise…Why is it so important?
Would you exercise daily if someone told you it would help you live longer?
Maybe yes…maybe no…maybe maybe. Would I live healthier and longer or just longer? What is exercise? Why is it so important?
Well first let me state that living longer hinges on many things… including diet and lifestyle. Exercise is just a one part of the BIGGER picture.
It doesn't matter if you eat well, but then remain a couch potato (lifestyle here)!
Look, I'm a HUGE advocate for being active, however, I think you need to find what works for you. Take for instance, the title "BOOT CAMP" …it can either inspire or have you running for shelter! STRETCHING is also a form of exercise…have you ever watched a cat and felt envious?
As I age I’ve turned my own ‘exercise emphasis’ to music and stretching…sometimes just for ONE song...and sometimes it ends up I have time for a half hour of songs. Come on, EVERYONE can stretch for one 3-minute song.
This much I know…we can’t change everything about ourselves overnight (we may not even want to) but we can (if we want to prod ourselves) change direction, attitude and way of thinking.
So often I hear people talk about aerobic activity like it is the only form of activity that is important. It isn’t…first and foremost it is important to find and work with a balanced fitness program - a program that includes some aerobic, some strength and some flexibility exercise. DUMP the word training and/or exercise and change it up.
Use a word (or words) that make it seem more like something you just might want to participate in. ‘Fit and fun program’? Sure sounds less tiresome than work-out or training. It’s all in the way you frame your health adventure that makes YOU decide to follow through on it. Nearing 60, I prefer to frame it in terms of play, as opposed to work!
As we talk about increasing our activity levels, the emphasis on a flexibility program becomes increasingly important if you are overweight, sedentary or ‘older and oldest’. Having good flexibility helps maintain good posture and gives better stability in balancing soooo - well, you remain upright for longer periods.Additionally and more serious is that muscle strengthening is crucial as both men and women can begin to see mild signs of osteoporosis in their 30's…strengthening helps to counteract that.
With regards to aerobics…you can run, walk, swim, dance, jump rope…whatever, just get out there and move fast enough and long enough to get your heart rate up for at least 15+ minutes a day.
What is surprising today is how many people think living healthy just means eating right. They omit enough sleep, they add anxiety and stress and just all around have unhealthy lifestyles…smoking and drinking in excess - ooops, and they forget movement.
Good health is predicated on daily movement. So, change your direction and way of thinking. Walk every day with a pet or friend, dance until the stars come out, stretch like a cat. What can you lose besides excess weight, poor circulation, poor appetite and isolation?
When we were younger we spent most of our days outside, but today what with the internet, Wii and video games…you know the outcome…
OK, so we have established that:
- ‘Movement’ is one of the keys to longevity and each person needs to choose the ‘movement’ that speaks to them (I am not a runner but I love to dance)
- Each persons wellness is an ‘individual program’. Wellness goals are personal and as such one needs to do what works for them
- Do not blindly follow something someone else likes…see if it is a good fit for you.
Everyone knows “without your health, you have nothing”…so we agree wellness is most important, yet most of us virtually ignore it. We take good health and wellness for granted when we have it and then desperately wish for it when we fall into decline.
While I’m pontificating…where’s your attitude stand?
For REAL fitness and good health I advocate a realistic, positive mind, body, soul approach because being successfully healthy requires more than just changing your diet and exercise. It is vitally important to change the way you think… address any negative mental/emotional issues first. Many times, our physical body is just a reflection of our mental, emotional and spiritual state of mind. It is vital to shift your focus to that which is POSITIVE.
Let me draw your attention to three local options I investigated recently…Check ‘em out yourself. Each one has value. Each one is different. Mix ‘em up…use one…or two…or all three…
- The first brings music culture and dance and fun to all ages…ZUMBA…the Zumba fitness craze may even cause a look back to the days of dance halls...Check it out… Zumba Dance Fitness with Karen Emery in Easton
‘Smartraining Systems” courtesy of Koko Fit Club, also in Easton. Looking for an affordable ‘private trainer like atmosphere and program’ without the personal trainer…this may be your place. Ask owner Craig McMahon for a free demonstration and trial run…revolutionary and very very cool!
And for those that are trying to get off the weightloss and lack of fitness merry-go-round…the see-sawing bad habits and/or neurosis that needs to end…Take a look at Kathy Jordan and her well written books and classes on the topic of all around health and fitness…mind, body and soul may be the answer to your prayers.
Finally a ‘shout out’ to all parents…YOU are absolutely critical in the lives and wellness of your children…talk and participate with them in MOVEMENT activities, food selection, strength building and stretching options…life is not forever…so make it well and swell for the time you are here!
Reposted courtesy of Easton Patch
Sara-Lynn Reynolds
Community and Education Liaison
Home Instead Senior Care
555 Pleasant St., Unit #104, Attleboro, MA 02703
508-222-0800 774-254-3413
Home Instead Senior Care
555 Pleasant St., Unit #104, Attleboro, MA 02703
508-222-0800 774-254-3413
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