Let me be an example…
The closest thing to a spring chicken, in my house, is what we had for dinner in the Instapot a few nights ago. Although, no old goat either, I am definitely noticing the signs of many years of neglecting therapy for injury to my body.
I spent years throwing myself on turf, chasing after soccer balls and the martial arts. Let’s insert the poor eating choices, stress and workaholic mindset that topped everything else up. Ahhh, but back then ibuprofen fixed almost everything. So now I am here, almost 50, and looking at ways to best preserve what I have naturally. I’ve come to realize that changing with age requires a person to understand how to change with age.
My greatest challenge, as I got older, was being consistent with exercise. My strong mind told me it’s ok to have a lazy day 5 days in a row, that my emotional state is completely separate from that of my physical state, and if I couldn’t exercise for 2 hours straight then what’s the point? “It’s not worth it, a 20 minute walk or spin on the bike won’t make a difference.”
I didn’t recognize that I was feeling sluggish, tired and depressed - only different. These had become my “norms”. Wasn’t this ok? I am getting older and tired. Isn’t this what is supposed to happen? Isn’t this my right of passage? Hmmmmmm, I really didn’t like what was unfolding. The recovery from permanent injuries, sustained moons ago, took longer to heal and happened too frequently. So I did an experiment on myself.
I decided that I was going to do at least half an hour of something every day. I would know within a week if a change was in order, or if this was how I was going to go down. I incorporated squats while I waited for my coffee to brew, walked to the store a few blocks away instead of driving, and played music while I prepared food so that I could dance in my kitchen. It was a start.
As this became the new normal I would find time for specific exercises like Pilates, spin, yoga and weights for strength building. Just like the other choices in my life, this has now become a “lifestyle”; the decisions you make reflect the way that you live. As I need healthy food, water and rest, I also need exercise.
My experiment was a success as I started to feel better, flexible, stronger and more energetic within a few days of moving more. Someone had commented that my eyes looked brighter. So, it wasn’t “just my age”.
There is much research out there on why it is important for older adults to exercise. Simply listed, it can:
Help prevent or control disease;
Improve mental health;
Decrease risk of falls; and
Engage you socially.
The Green Fields Continuing Care Community also states: “Regular physical activity and fine-tuned motor skills benefit cognitive function. Countless studies suggest a lower risk of dementia for physically active individuals, regardless of when you begin a routine.”
The end game here is, if any of this is familiar to you or someone you know, adding more movement and exercise can change things at any age, at any time. A start is all you need.
Your Space. Your Community. Your Studio.
Photo credits: All images are from Freepik.com
