By Nancy Alexander, PT, CSCS
If you know me well, you know my favorite motto – Keep Moving. Recently I had the opportunity to chat with Deborah Jeanne Sergeant, writer for Roc 55 and 55Plus magazine, in Rochester, New York. My message? Just that: Keep moving. Read on to find out more and identify steps you can take right now to get started.
Other professionals agree and the article written by Sergeant presents this well. Here is the link to the article so you can read it for yourself. https://roc55.com/use-it-or-lose-it-how-to-start-exercising/
In my book, “Get Up! Defy Aging with Movement,” I elaborate on how you can move and make it an important part of your life:
What’s the right approach for you? Follow these steps to get moving and stay moving:
- Do what you enjoy. If you enjoy it, chances are you will stick with it, and that is what matters most.
- Do what is meaningful to you. Choose movement that is consistent with your goals. If you want to walk better, walk. If you want to stand from a sitting position better, make sure that’s part of your program. You can mix things up, but you must include what you want to improve. Why play tennis to become a better swimmer?
- Do what is safe for you. Maybe complex balance exercises are not appropriate for you right now, but simple ones at the kitchen counter are. Start there, and progress when safe to do so. Many modifications can be made with any good exercise program.
Movement is functional. It is necessary to live the life you want. Invest in it, and remember the returns will make you rich in terms of filling each day with activities you enjoy and with people who mean the world to you, rich in terms of living freely and independently. Wealth is freedom to do what you want. Movement is the means to your dreams.
I will take every opportunity, such as right now, to encourage you to move. Your quality of life depends on it. Still wondering where to start? Please visit with your physician to discuss this. They can guide you to the right exercises while keeping in mind your goals and your own medical status. Reach out to me if you wish. I would be happy to help steer you in the right direction.
Keep moving friends and make your next years your best years.
Addendum:
In addition to the article mentioned above, Sergeant and I also discussed knee health. Here is a link to that article: https://roc55.com/your-knees-how-to-keep-them-in-shape/
Source:
Alexander, N. 2021. Get Up! Defy Aging with Movement. Living Well Now, LLC.
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