Staying Fit Throughout The New Year

The start of the New Year is always full of fresh starts and resolutions. A resolution on the top of many people’s list is “getting fit”. This resolution becomes more important as we age. Keeping our brains and bodies moving is imperative to prolonged health and life. The more fun that can be incorporated into a fitness plan, the longer it will last! Also, starting with small steps ensures longer term success.

A great way to start the day is to stretch first thing in the morning. When we are younger, stretching on the floor or standing next to our bed, might take only 5-10 minutes to get us going for the day. For our elderly relatives and clients, having a gentle stretching regimen PRIOR to getting out of bed can make getting up so much easier. When we gently stretch and wiggle different limbs and joints, prior to getting out of bed, not only does the body feel better, but the body is more alert, less stiff, and more stable to assist in sitting up and standing.

As for a daily exercise program, finding ways to make it fun and fit into our daily activities, often yield the best long term success. One of our favorite exercise programs is called Ageless Grace. This particular program engages both body and brain. Based on the science of neuroplasticity, it is a seated fitness program that seriously works the core, all 5 areas of the brain, and 21 different "aging factors" in the body! Check out this fun program, suitable for all age groups, at Agelessgrace.com

No matter what your age or level of fitness, we all benefit from healthier lifestyles. And a fun exercise/fitness program that the whole family can participate in together lends everyone the support needed to maintain its longevity.

What are some of your family’s favorite ways to stay healthy together?