FEATURE: Get a Holistic Fitness Routine
Written by Kathryn Savage
The fact is as we age our bodies loose muscle mass and strength. Add this to weakening bones and it’s no shocker that we become less mobile and more injury prone in our golden years.
But let’s say you’re 35, and you’re fit as a fiddle. 
Stressed? What with deadlines at work, that gym you’ve been ignoring, an upcoming anniversary, and let’s throw a screaming baby in the mix, it’s hard not to get stressed out. Stress is a normal fact of life, but chronic stress (heart palpitations over the thought of ordering take out) leads to systematic inflammation and reduces our immune system’s ability to fight infection.
It’s time to move!
Movement is important at any stage of your life. Movement is especially vital as you age because it increases strength and flexibility in the years your body will naturally loose it. Movement can also relieve stress and as a consequence, bodily inflammation. In old age especially, exercise leads to increased independence and quality of life. A senior yoga class, swimming, these are great activities that increase balance and bodily awareness and prevent falls that can lead to serious injury. The National Institute on Aging advocates strength training. Strength training is great because it improves flexibility and reduces stress on joints.
How to make strength training a part of your routine?
Buy a Thera-Band. Thera-Bands are elastic bands that are great for low-impact resistance training. Instead of using free weights, you are using your own body weight as the resistance. Thera-Bands are available at most athletic supply stores and gyms.
Sign up for a yoga class. Similar to the philosophy behind the Thera-Band, in yoga, you are using your own body to build muscle mass through a series of balancing and lengthening positions. It’s a great low impact way to stay healthy, balanced and strong.
Cut the stress. Inflammation, the bodies way to fight infection and injury is a natural response to a neck cramp, and ankle twist, but it’s also a way our bodies react to stress. The downside is when our bodies our always inflamed, we are more disease prone.
How to cut the stress and inflammation?
Find a mild-to-medium intensity workout.
Any activity is good for reducing stress and inflammation that incorporates strength, deep breathing, and sustained movement.
Yoga, distance swimming, a hike and a series of pilates poses are all great stress and inflammation reducing activities.
Now get moving! Your body will thank you!
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What is 'Move'?
