In my years of working with clients of all ages and conditions, there are 5 things that just about every one of them does in their quest to get stronger and healthier. These are simple things that we ALL can do to make the body feel better and have a higher quality of life…read on to find out these strategies.
YOU GOTTA MOVE. This one is a nonnegotiable. Research shows that movement gives your body’s cells a “live” message. And all of my clients 50+ have realized that they just move better in general – AND enjoy their lives a lot more – when they exercise regularly. It doesn’t have to be a lot…commit to a daily walk of just 10 or 15 minutes and see how you start to feel a week or so into it.
STRETCH. Again, all of my clients over the age of 50 or 60 will tell you that without regular stretching, their joints start to regularly ache (especially knees and lower back). Aim to stretch the muscles that you regularly use OR the ones that support the torso/spine (hip flexors, quads, hamstrings).
NAVEL IN. Drawing your navel in not only makes your gut look better, your lower back will get a good deal of natural support and feel a lot better.
DRINK UP. Our tissues have a huge water component, so any lack of fluid is felt in the body right away. With proper water intake, joints work better and muscles cramp less. Water intake also greatly impacts skin appearance and brain function. A suggestion: Get used to drinking a full glass of water upon waking (BEFORE coffee).
CHANGE IT UP. Avoid doing the same exercise-related activity day in/day out. If you run, lift weights the next day. Add in elliptical training or biking. Core work, too. Your body AND your joints will like you better and last longer when you vary up the stress you place upon it and let specific areas recover properly.