Vitality. What does that mean to you? It could be having the energy and ability to do what you want to do. However you define it – your body and mind are firing on as many cylinders as possible.
Exercise in all of its forms is one of the major “medicines” to keep you as strong, agile and full of energy as possible. To stay on that path it is important to practice balance training, add some strength training and find ways to move that help your range of motion and flexibility. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list but it is a great start!
Balance Training
You use balance every time you move, pick things up and even just when standing in one place. It is that program in the background that you usually don’t even think about. When you start to think about it then that means it is past time for you to challenge your balance so you can improve it.
Need some ideas on ways to practice better balance? Click here.
Strength Training
You need strength to move throughout life. Sure you are not powerlifting your way throughout life…but you need strength to be able to do things. You should not have to rock to get out of a chair. Instead, you should have the leg strength to get up with confidence. Pesky refrigerators need to be pulled open. Groceries are picked up, carried and put on a shelf. You want and deserve that independence to not have to ask for help for menial tasks. Not only is this good for your muscles but also bone density. Especially if you are living with osteoporosis or have a risk of it…this is important! Read this Time Magazine article about strength training here.
Range of Motion
Being able to reach things or get down to the floor takes flexibility and mobility. Often in the fitness industry, there is a back and forth about the importance of them. Let us just keep it simple and say that you want to able to move in ways during your life as your life demands. This can include getting down to the floor and getting up again. This can also include getting into a car and being able to do mirror checks, put on your seatbelt and get in and out of the car. Going on trips? Do you want to have to ask for help when putting a light object in the overhead bin? I didn’t think so. Stretching and other ways of moving is a daily routine that we all need to be better about. Yes all of us.
Original Strength has a wonderful and refreshing take on movement. I doubt if you have moved in ways that they display. I find it is a great way for individuals to reconnect with their bodies. There are always options. Check out the short video below about a way to help work on your posture.
