Moving to move...

Exercise is part of staying healthy and helping your brain to be healthier too.  If you move as much as you can, as in, as many body parts as possible, and even take the stairs when there's an elevator near by, you are doing your body a favor.  Some of us still go to the gym, or walk the dog, or just explore our neighborhood season to season and it's all good.  It all adds up. 

I do an exercise routine before I get out of bed in the morning.  With a rolled towel under my neck for good support I exercise all the joints that help me walk, such as hips, knees, and ankles.  If I was a little stiff just getting up to use the washroom, and then lie down again to do my exercises, when I get up afterwards I can feel the difference.  It feels good. I have more energy and nothing is creaking or threatening to give me trouble with my balance or mobility. 

I was displaying my products at a Chrsitmas Market in a community center and a very frail lady walked in with her cane.  She was dressed in hiking boots, a bulky knit turttle neck and a fleece lined leather vest.  As she came around to my table, walking very slowly and methodically, I said, "My you were brave to come out on a cold winter day!  Did you drive here? "  And she said, 'No I walked. I just live down the block. " I said, "You seem to be really active and not letting anything stop you!"  She said, "Well, you can let your pain keep you home, or you can take it with you!"  What a wonderful idea! 

She was not letting her pain keep her from coming out to explore the Christmas market and she was walking in practical footwear, with her cane to steady her and I imagine watching for any patches of ice on the sidewalk or parking lot. I decided to remember that wisdom. 

Most of us just want to justify taking a pain med and then not moving, but we aren't doing our bodies, or our minds any favors. She was stimulating her brain as well as her body by making the effort to come out. Yes, she had to go slow and steady, but she was increasing her seratonin level by the delight at seeing all the beaitufl gift ideas and crafts, AND she was socializing which is also good for your mental health.  

My physio therapists have always said to ignor the "no pain, no gain' mantra since pain that can cause an injury to a muscle or ligament isn't good for you.  They always taught me to move and stretch as far as possible with no pain and do that a few times before trying to go a little further or longer and it works. After a few days of stretching and exercising you begin to frind yourself adding another five or ten counts without even realizing it to your routine. 

Those little landmarks increase confidence and motivate me to not stop, to keep moving, and to look forward to a longer healthier life and brain health.   

Check out this link to Home Choice: Home Care Solutions for 6 Low Impact Exercises  to Keep Seniors Active
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www.homechoicehomecare.com/senior-care/active-seniors/