Exercise and Aging: Your Body is the Vehicle that Carries You Through Life

Open any newspaper or magazine or go on line and chances are there will be an article on the positive effects of exercise on aging. Our bodies are the vehicles that carry us through life and just like our cars, the parts wear out with age. It’s easy to be in denial about this until something happens and you’re in pain or discover that you can no longer run 10 miles or climb Kilimanjaro.

A dear friend of mine who is 63 has always been healthy, fit, and energetic.  She couldn’t imagine not being able to go to the gym or do a daily run. When hip pain started interfering with her routine, she said; “I know this happens to other people but I didn’t think it would happen to me.” And there it is!  It’s easy to be in denial and we can’t imagine our bodies ‘betraying’ us.

Exercise is a key factor in health, wellness and longevity but it’s important to know what kind of physical activity is right for your body. And what’s right changes over time. Another lesson in acceptance!  Heed the warning signs of injury, overuse or stress and don’t self-diagnose. There are sports medicine specialists, physiatrists, physical therapists and other professionals who can help you decide what you need. I recently started going to a personal trainer who works with people 55 and over. She knows a great deal about the aging body  and  is a terrific teacher.  Her focus is on core strengthening, posture and loosening up the fascia to increase flexibility and range of motion.  In just 4 months I am walking taller and I have more flexibility and more energy.  It’s not inexpensive and I’ve had to cut back in other ways, but I feel like Im making an investment in my life.