The Scoop

For the past many years, I have talked about the things I love to do to stay active. I love to run, hike, walk, do yoga, and much more.

I want to make sure that everyone understands however, that just because I love to do one thing doesn't mean I think it is right for everyone.

The point I'm trying to make is that an appropriate level of physical activity is important for everyone for good health, mind and body. We all need to find what makes us feel like a kid again and do it often.

Start by thinking about what activities you loved as a child. I loved to run. I can remember my mom saying all the time, "Cheryl has two speeds, running and asleep." I have not changed. I would rather run than walk most of the time. When I run, I feel like I leave all my troubles behind in the wind. I seem to think more clearly while running. I plan what I want to do for the day, I think of fun conversations and about almost anything positive. It is meditation for me.

How much I run and how often varies day-to-day or month-to-month. And that is part of the benefit. When you played as child, you didn't do the same thing every day, you mixed it up because it was about having fun not forcing yourself to get a workout in.

Right now, I am doing a couple runs a week, Yoga most days and lifting weights a couple of times a week.

I have found that if I do yoga consistently it improves my ability to do other sports. It also improves my balance, strength and flexibility.

My strength training routine (2-3 sets, 10-12 reps) is made up of:

• Squats, Calf Raises (both target legs)

• Bent Over Rows, Chest presses (these target back and chest)

• Bicep Curls, Triceps Dips, Shoulder presses, Lateral Raises (for my arms and shoulders)

• Deadlifts and Abs (Target my core)

All these exercises target large muscle groups, are equipment free and I can do at home with dumbbells or at the gym. I do them with lower weights and very slowly.

Some days I will substitute a hike or walk with my husband just to mix things up and spend more time with him doing something active. If I feel bored with something I try something different which is what our bodies need. Variety in what we eat and what we do keeps us more fit. Above all though we need to find things that are fun for us and “just do it!”

What Science Is Saying

For the over fifty crowd, common sense and, increasingly, scientific research suggests that constant use will retain our physical capabilities and form. Once lost, however, it may be difficult or impossible to regain former capabilities.

The latest research suggests that disuse in those of us over 50 leads to more-or-less permanent losses in the number of nerve connections.

There is good news in this otherwise depressing fact. First, if you keep at it, your ability to play tennis, lift weights, cycle, and so forth can be retained with little (sometimes no) loss of nerve connections, although with increasing age you may need to spend more time on your activities.

Constantly used and challenged nerve connections do not die. In fact, they continue to grow and drive muscle growth and body tone, no matter what your age. Notice the "challenged" part of the equation.

Changing even a small part of your activities builds new connections. For example, if tennis is your go-to activity, play doubles and singles, switch between one and two-handed form, try a few net shots with the other hand, play at night and in the day, learn some similar sports.

I hope this inspires you to not worry so much about what you are doing and to just do the things that make you smile and feel good! And now, go out and play!

Thanks for stopping by!

Peace!