Seniors, Get Back to Basics

Date June 14, 2009

If you are like most people, you know exercise is good for you. You may have even read the latest research about the positive effects of exercise on everything from dementia to arthritis, longevity to better quality of life. So, why then, is it so hard to get seniors to move and stick with it? Of course, that is the million dollar question.

I share the opinion that most seniors view exercise as something that they don’t have time to do, they can’t do or simply don’t want to do. Basically, it is not a pleasant experience for them. This could be because they have tried programs and didn’t see results from their efforts or now have pains or injuries that make them skeptical or simply don’t think it is worth the effort. Whatever the reason, they find an excuse not to move even though they know they should. More importantly, even though it will improve their health!

It is time to change the way we view exercise, so that it can be a part of our lives and we can reap the benefits. Start thinking of exercise as your daily activities and it will take on a new meaning. Who doesn’t want to get out of bed, walk to get the mail or perhaps play with a grandchild? These are all opportunities to move! It is time to get back to the basics and learn how to move for you.

Movement is Therapy™ programs teach the fundamentals of movement and postural alignment. This fresh approach focuses on individual progression which helps to ensure success. It is about finding what you can do, doing it correctly and building from there. Too many times, people try to do too much, too soon and end up getting hurt or discouraged.

We all crawl before we walk and certainly before we run. That is how you should look at your exercise program. Once you have the knowledge about how to move and why it matters, your daily life offers many opportunities to improve your fitness level. We have created programs that focus on general fitness, specialty issues such as back pain or arthritis as well as injury prevention and disease management.

Here is a great “back to basics” exercise from the Movement is Therapy™ educational program:

Keeping it simple, start by noticing how you stand. Good postural alignment sets the stage for proper movement.

  • Make sure your shoulders and hips are even and your ears, shoulders and hips are lined up from the side.
  • Keep your body weight in the middle of the feet.
  • Pull your abdominals in and stand tall.
  • Practice this new alignment as you sit, stand and walk and notice the difference is makes.

Once this becomes more second nature, then you are ready to begin to add new activities.

It is never too late to start the process of proper movement. It will take some time and consistency to change your habits but once you are aware you will begin to make the changes necessary to move correctly. Remember, it is not how much you can do but the quality of how you do it. Once you have established good form then the opportunities to challenge yourself are endless!

Movement is Therapy! Learn. Move. Live.

Greta Severs is the founder of Movement is Therapy™. For more information, contact her at greta@movementistherapy.com.

Category Posted in For Seniors

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