As you get older, you tend to not be as active as your younger self. Here's the problem. If you don't use it, you will lose it.
Muscle is a very precious thing. For desk workers, there are several body parts that weaken with long periods of sitting: 1) Hip Flexors, 2) Abdominals. and 3) Back.
When muscles in your body will start to atrophy, you may experience lower back pain. You knees may start hurting. It may be more difficult to go up or down stairs. Squatting or touching your toes may be impossible. You may need help to carry groceries and car seats. Or, you may find it difficult to get your carry-on luggage into the overhead airplane bins.
There have been many examples of older people transforming their bodies. Improving mobility and flexibility helps you remain independent throughout your lifetime. It prevents injuries and broken bones.
There are 3 things you can do daily to reverse muscle loss, maintain muscle, or gain muscle!
MOVE - Walking is the easiest exercise that can be done in all types of weather. Do whatever you like. The key is CONSISTENCY!
WEIGHTS - Bodyweight exercises such as squats, push-ups, and bicycles are practical. As those get easier, invest in hand weights or bands to add resistance.
STRETCH - Search online for stretches that target tight areas. Yoga is a common option or join a place such as StretchLab.
If you create a schedule for yourself, you can hold yourself accountable. If you're just starting back into the swing of things, fit it in where you can get it in.
I prefer getting my main activity in before starting the work day. I am up super early to work out for an hour doing solely cardio or weight training never both in the same session. During 75 Hard, I would have to find a separate time to do an outdoor workout. It was always a 45-minute walk. Since my job can be fast paced and stressful, a walk was an excuse to decompress during lunch. It got my joints out of a seated position and gave me a natural dose of vitamin D.
To keep things interesting in my household, we tend to create challenges for ourselves. Right now, we are doing 10 pushups in the AM and PM. Our objective is to build upper body strength.
For those who don't know, my hubby used to be a certified personal trainer. The good part is that I do not have to ever think about a workout regimen. The bad part is that I never know what is planned for the workout. This is his creative outlet. The routines are never boring and always challenging. We tend to always have an audience in the gym! It's comical and I really need to record it.
To be honest, sure...I want to build muscle and maintain it as I get older. The reality is most of it is for vanity. I want to fit my clothing in the closet. I want to look physically good at 80. The other part is mobility. I want to be able to get up and down from the floor without any assistance. I do not want to need a wheelchair or a scooter...EVER.
Prioritize your day. The only person coming to save you is YOU!
Comments