What is safe exercise for seniors and aging bodies?
How can we exercise safely as we age, and maybe have osteoporosis or injuries?
The answer is different than you might think.
As we age, our movements and our lives tends to shrink. We think that we are “safe” when we stay inside our comfort zone. The reality is that life is going to pull us out of that comfort zone at some point. When that happens we can be injured.
The best way to be safe is to exercise – mindfully – at the edge of our abilities. In this way our sphere of function – our “bubble of motion” – stays as big as possible as long as possible. When we exercise at the edge of that zone, on purpose, we get stronger!
Check out the video to see what I mean…
Wolff’s Law states that bones get stronger at the points that they need to support the most strain.
We need to challenge our bones, bodies and brains in unusual positions and shapes, to get stronger and support us through life’s challenges.
How can you push the edges of your bubble safely?
Try things like this:
- Walk faster than you usually do.
- When exercising, stretch just a tiny bit further, slowly, while you exhale.
- Balance on one leg instead of two anytime you can.