You’ve heard me say it a hundred times – physical activity is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. You can eat clean 365 days a year, but if you don’t move your body, you’re not giving it everything that it needs to function optimally – nor are you truly “healthy”.
Women that are over the age of 60 have to be very selective when choosing physical activities to partake in. For us lovely ladies that are in this age group, it’s normal to experience certain aches and pains. Over the past several years, I’ve overcome several challenges – not one, but TWO hip replacements! I know my body, and am cognizant of my limitations.
It’s one thing to challenge yourself, and it’s another to push yourself too far – and that’s why I’m such a big fan of incorporating movement into my daily routine.
What is Movement?
Movement is exactly what you think it is: walking at the park, carrying your groceries in, sitting and standing, and squatting down to grab your favorite pair of heels out from the back of your closet.
As a society, we’ve all become accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle. As we get older, we become even more used to sitting down for long periods of time. Believe me – I’m all for relaxing, but engaging in consistent and low-grade motion throughout the course of the day is incredibly important for our overall health.
How is Movement Different from Exercise?
Movement and exercise have different purposes or intent.
Exercise is physical activity that people engage in when they’re trying to lose weight and/or gain strength, agility or flexibility. It’s what we do to stay bathing suit-ready!
While exercise is movement, not all movement is considered exercise. Human bodies were made to move. Historically, it’s how we’ve gotten from one place to the other. It’s also how we completed plenty of tasks that are now automated by technology and gadgets we have in the comfort of our own homes. To me, movement is getting up and making sure I haven’t been in the same position for too long – and it’s just as important as exercise.
What are the Benefits of Movement?
Where do I start? For women in their 60’s, moving our bodies helps with joint stiffness and pain, as well as circulation. Not to mention, movement helps to keep our metabolisms running.
Movement is also beneficial for mental health. It can be depressing to stay in one position all day long. According to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School, “Your mind and body are intimately connected. And while your brain is the master control system for your body’s movement, the way you move can also affect the way you think and feel.”
What’s the Bottom Line?
A balanced routine of both exercise and movement is ideal for us gals in our 50’s, 60’s and beyond. Believe me – your body will thank you for it, and you’ll be more inclined to exercise if you’re regularly participating in movement that doesn’t strain you.
DO YOU ENJOY PRACTICING DAILY MOVEMENT? SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVE IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW.
Are you looking to exercise in the comfort of your own home? Then this post is for you: TRANSFORM ANY SPACE IN YOUR HOME INTO YOUR PERSONAL GYM.
