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Strength Training: A Prescription for Aging Well

If you aren’t strength training, you should be! It is never too late to start strength training and it will bring numerous benefits at any age. 

Whether you are inactive or active, like exercise or hate exercise, it can make an incredibly positive impact on your life. 

Let’s go over all the ways strength training can help you:

  • Improve your sleep
  • Increase cognition
  • Increase your energy and metabolism 
  • Increase longevity
  • Improve your posture
  • Increase your confidence
  • Maintain independence as you age
  • Increase bone density which reduces risk of osteoporosis
  • Preserve and enhance muscle mass which progressively decreases with age if you don’t do anything about it
  • Improve quality of life
  • Increase mobility
  • Better your balance which decreases risk of falling
  • Improve ability to do daily activities (things like carrying groceries, walking, getting up from a chair, getting up and down from the floor, going up and down stairs, housework, gardening, etc)
  • Manage and/or prevent chronic conditions such as arthritis, back pain, heart disease, depression, diabetes, osteoporosis and more!
  • Decrease blood pressure
  • Prevent injuries
  • Enhance your pickleball or golf game
  • Be an active grandparent

The good thing about strength training is that it doesn’t have to take a lot of time and it can be done anywhere.  2-3x/week is recommended. 30 minutes is recommended, but even 10 minutes can make a difference. There are many strength training exercises that can be done solely with your body weight. It is usually best to start with bodyweight exercises and then progress to adding resistance bands or free weights such as dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, ankle weights  and suspension trainers (like TRX). 

Resistance bands are great because they are lightweight, don’t take up much space, are inexpensive, can be used at home or when traveling and can be used in a variety of ways targeting all large muscles groups. 

Strength training is not just for people that want big muscles or want to look good. It is for everyone and every body. It should not be painful so it is about finding ways to make it work best for you and your body. If you have good muscle strength you will be able to function at a much higher level (doing all the things you want and need to do) for much longer. 

If you are unsure of how to start strength training or if what you are doing includes strength training contact A to Z Personal Wellness.

Fall Prevention, Fitness, Health and Wellness, Small Group Training, , , , , ,

Tips for Traveling and Fitting Exercise in this Holiday Season

The holidays are right around the corner, which is exciting, can be stressful, very busy, and can throw us off of our routine. I know for me, it is harder to make time to exercise. It is even harder to keep up with an exercise routine if you are traveling. Here are some tips to keep exercising during this busy and fun holiday season.

If you are traveling by car, take breaks every 2 hours to to walk/stretch. This will help decrease aches and pains and keep your body happy. If in a car or a plane, pump your ankles (point your toes up and then down) to get blood flowing. Even if you are on a plane, try to move around/walk a little bit, at least every 2 hours.

Drink water! – I know I say this a lot, but while traveling it is easy to get dehydrated, especially if you are traveling by plane. Staying hydrated keeps your joints lubricated, gives your more energy and the list goes on with all of its benefits.

Keep your medications organized and stick to your routine. Being out of your normal routine can also cause a change in when you take your medications but it is best to take the same dose at same time to avoid any negative effects.

If you are staying overnight somewhere, make sure there is a night light or light switches that are very easy to access and that you have a clear path from your bed to the bathroom. This will help prevent tripping or falling in a dark and unfamiliar area.

Try to fit in exercises in short bouts if you don’t have enough time to do your regular routine. “Exercise Snacking” is great during the holidays. If you are in the kitchen cooking, do some marching in place or side stepping. Practice standing on one leg while you brush your teeth. Each time you stand up from a chair try to avoid using your arms so that your leg muscles do the work. If there are stairs where you are, try going up and down them 2, 3 or more times in a row or doing step-ups on the bottom step. Another option when driving places is to park farther away to get more steps in.

Examples of some exercises that you can do in a hotel, while staying at a friend or relative’s, or at your own home are:

Wall push ups

Squats

Heel raises

Toe Raises

Marches

Standing on one leg for balance

These can be done anytime throughout the day and they don’t have to be done all at once.

If you want to keep resistance exercises in your routine, resistance bands are easy to travel with because they don’t take up much space, they are light and you can use them for core, upper and lower body exercises.

You know the saying, “use it or lose it.” Don’t lose it this holiday season!

For an individualized exercise program or more exercise snacks that you can do anytime and anywhere during the holiday season contact A to Z Personal Wellness.

Fitness, Health and Wellness, Tips, , , ,

Fall Prevention Awareness Week

It is Fall Prevention Awareness Week! Fall prevention is so important, so let’s talk about it.

Did you know that if you have fallen in the past year you are at risk for falling again? Did you know that even if you haven’t fallen but have a fear of falling that also increases your risk of falling?

The good news is that falling is not a normal part of aging and there are ways to prevent and modify risk factors for falling.

Here are some things to think about during fall prevention week:

  • Have you had your eyes checked recently (within the past year)? If not, make an appointment to have them checked. While you’re at it, clean your glasses and keep them clean to help prevent a fall!
  • Have you had your hearing checked recently(within the past year)? If not, make sure to also make an appointment to check your ears. Even if you don’t like wearing hearing aides it is important to wear them as often as you can because when your hearing is affected, so is your balance which could lead to a fall.
  • Next on the check list, have you had a conversation with your doctor about medications, both prescription and over the counter, that you are currently taking? Talking to your doctor about medications- dosage, interactions with other medications, and knowing side effects is extremely helpful for fall prevention. If your doctor is unaware that you started a new prescription with a different doctor or you started taking over the counter medications with your current prescriptions, it is important to talk about it, especially if you are feeling more fatigued, dizzy, weak, etc which can increase your risk of falling.
  • Are you getting enough vitamin D and calcium for your bone health? The stronger your bones are the less likely you are to have a fracture if you were to have a fall.
  • Check your feet! Any changes in your feet like numbness, tingling, etc can affect your balance which can lead to a fall. There are exercises to help with foot and ankle strength, mobility and balance. Wearing supportive footwear with non slip grip and a back to it also helps to prevent a fall.

Stayed tuned for more fall prevention tips coming soon.

As always, contact A to Z Personal Wellness if you have questions or would like more fall prevention info.

Fitness, Health and Wellness,

Is it Pain or Muscle Soreness?

I’m sure you have heard the phrase “no pain no gain” but is that always the case?

There is a difference between muscle soreness and pain, they are not the same thing. Muscle soreness can be expected with exercise but it should only last a day or two. It is common to be sore after an intense workout or when doing new exercises.

Soreness is typically generalized, can be widely distributed, can also feel like stiffness or fatigue, and may cause you to move slower but usually feels better with movement. Soreness will go away on its own after a few days.

Pain on the other hand is more localized, persistent, inhibits movement and is recurring and in the same place/area of the body. 

Now, you may have also heard if it hurts don’t do it. So which one is true? Well, that depends.

As long as pain goes away after 10-15 minutes then it is ok and you are not hurting yourself. If it lasts longer then that you may have over done it. If it is sharp pain that you are experiencing while exercising then you should stop right away. You don’t want to push through the pain because that could cause injury or worsen an existing injury.

Our bodies were built to move so sometimes our sedentary lifestyle or not moving enough can actually cause us pain, and therefore, moving/physical activity or exercising through it can help decrease the pain. For arthritis, keep in mind that motion is lotion, and one of the best things you can do for it is keep moving. But like medication, you have to find the right dosage of movement and what movements will help the most.

Start slowly and gently and if pain decreases continue with your exercises, but if it gets worse the more or longer you exercise, listen to your body, and stop so that you are not doing more harm then good.

As we age it takes longer for our muscles to recover so it is normal to feel more fatigue or soreness whether you have been exercising your whole life or are new to it. Making sure you are eating enough protein and drinking water throughout the day can help with muscle recovery. Stretching after exercise and using heat or ice can also assist with muscle recovery. It is best to stay active and continue to move through the soreness but vary the activities and/or the muscles you are using.

Remember, if you want to get stronger and improve your balance and mobility, it is important to challenge yourself. Finding the right amount of challenge is crucial for progress so that you don’t over do it, but you also don’t want to to go too easy on yourself!

If you have questions or want guidance with safe, effective and pain free personalized exercise programs contact A to Z Personal Wellness. 

Fitness, Health and Wellness, ,

Ways to Make Exercise a Daily Habit

Have you tried to get into a routine of exercising and it only lasts a few days? Here are some ideas to make exercise a daily habit. 

One way to make exercise a habit is to do it right after a habit that you already have established. An example would be, after I wake up and brush my teeth I will exercise. Another example would be after I take off my work clothes I will put on my exercise clothes. Stacking your habits can make them stick better. You can think or write out all of your current daily habits and see where exercise could best fit in and then do that daily. This will also help create consistency and can make it become automatic. 

If you are exercising at home, create a space for it and have that be where you exercise every time. If you are going to the gym, set out a gym bag and outfit before bed or if you are going after work, have it in your car ready to go.

It is also important to make adding a habit appealing, so you could tell yourself after I exercise for 10 minutes I will read a book or check the news/social media or watch a TV show. Try to add your habit that you need to do (exercise) with a habit you want to do ( read, watch TV, etc). 

You could also make it more appealing by listening to music that you love while you exercise, or watching a TV show while you exercise. Challenge yourself by saying you will only watch a certain show while you are exercising to make it something you look forward to.

View exercise, in a positive way, instead of thinking of it as something hard, tiring or dreadful. Think positively by saying, this will make me stronger so I have more strength to play with my grandkids. This will increase my endurance so I will have more endurance to go shopping. This will increase my confidence so I will feel more comfortable and confident when traveling or hiking.

Habits form based on repetition. If you exercise everyday for 30 days, it is more likely to become a habit compared to if you only exercised twice over those 30 days. Repetition is key, it doesn’t matter how long you exercise for, it is just about making sure you do it.

It is also important to start small. So starting with 2-5 minutes of exercise may sound strange but once you have created the habit of doing 2-5 minutes then you can improve it/ increase the time. 

If you are someone that likes to make lists and cross things out, put exercise on your to do list and cross it off once you complete it. Or you could put an x or check mark on a calendar or piece of paper to track your progress and have the satisfying feeling of checking it off and also of seeing how far you have come. Try not to miss more than 1 day in a row. Even if you don’t feel like it or you don’t have much time, go back to at least doing 2-5 minutes so you can keep maintaining progress and stay on track.

Make sure the exercise fits you, if you have never liked running don’t try it now, if you have always enjoyed walking focus on that. You could try something new like a dance class or pickleball. Find something that works for you, your body, and your personality. 

If you need help getting started or finding an exercise routine that works for you contact A to Z Personal Wellness.

Fitness, ,

Why Posture Matters

Did your mother ever tell you to stand up tall or sit up straight? Well, she was right if she did nag you about your posture. Posture matters!

Poor posture can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain. Exercising with poor posture can increase risk of injury and cause more harm than good. Poor posture can also decrease your balance and increase risk of falling.

Good posture allows you to stay active longer, have a more youthful appearance, increases your energy level and improves balance. It also decreases risk of falling, strengthens core muscles, improves blood flow, increases confidence and improves your ability to breathe deeply.

If you are unsure of your posture, I would recommend looking in a mirror, both front and sideways, or taking a picture of yourself.

When you are sitting, you want your head, and specifically your ears, over your shoulders and your shoulders stacked over your pelvis. It is also best to sit with feet flat on the floor and hips above your knees.

Our bodies were designed to move, so even if you are sitting, it is important to change positions frequently. Set a timer or reminder on your phone or computer to take movement breaks throughout the day to avoid staying in one position for too long.

With so much time spent sitting at a computer, watching TV or using tablets and phones it is easy to get into a habit of slouching or rounding your shoulders and looking down. Holding your phone at eye level can help improve posture, and making sure to adjust your computer monitor so that you can look at the screen at eye level can also help.

It takes 3 weeks (but usually longer) to change a behavior, so be mindful of your posture and practice the exercises below frequently to make a positive change.

Standing Posture Exercise to try:

  • Stand with your heels approximately 12 inches from the wall and lean back so that your buttock and shoulders touch the wall. 
  • Try to get your head to touch the wall too, but if it doesn’t, make sure to look straight ahead and keep your ears over shoulders. If you are able to do this, try to move your heels closer to the wall.
  • Hold this position for 5-10 seconds and repeat 10 times

Seated Posture Exercise to try:

  • Sit at the edge of a chair and lift your chest up and shoulders back, with your ears being aligned over your shoulders. 
  • Hold this position for 10 seconds and then relax back down to your resting posture. – – Repeat this 10 times and try to hold this position for longer if you can.

If you have questions about your posture or would like more guidance on postural exercises contact A to Z Personal Wellness.

Fitness, ,

Scenic Walking Paths Around Rochester

It is a great time to get outside and go for a walk. I thought I would share some of our favorite walking paths around the Rochester area. I have put together a list of paths that are mostly flat, paved and have benches to rest and enjoy the scenery.  These paths also happen to be very toddler and stroller friendly, if you are looking for a nice place to walk and explore with grandkids! 

There are so many benefits to walking, even if it is only 10 minutes a day. Let’s start with the fact that it is free and you can do it anywhere! Walking helps strengthen muscles, reduces joint pain, improves quality of sleep, improves cognition, reduces anxiety and depression, reduces blood pressure and risk of heart disease, diabetes and more! If those weren’t enough reasons to take a walk, take advantage of the weather, make it fun and call a friend to join you! 

Also make sure to start small if you have been hibernating all winter. Slowly increase your walking time/distance. 

Here are 7 places to try:

  1. Cobbs Hill Reservoir – a .7 mile paved loop with places to stop and rest https://www.cityofrochester.gov/cobbshill/
  1. North Ponds Park – 1 mile loop around both ponds, paved path with benches to rest, does have a few inclines http://www.ci.webster.ny.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/26
  1. Penfield Veterans Memorial Park – paved paths but also has a nature trail, fairy houses, a playground and a a few other things for grandkids to enjoy https://www.penfield.org/detail_T12_R60.php
  1. Butterfly Nature Trail – .25 mile, can be down and back or you can also do a loop, flat trail https://www.waynecountytourism.com/directory-wc/listing/butterfly-nature-trail/
  1. Fellows Rd park – 1 mile paved path loop that has benches to rest https://perinton.org/departments/randp/parks-department/parks/fellows-road-park/
  1. The canal path in the Village of Fairport and Thomas Creek Wetlands Walk – wetland walk is on a boardwalk off of the canal path
  1. Brickyard Trail at Sandra L. Frankel Nature park – .8 miles, flat trail with sitting area https://www.townofbrighton.org/827/Sandra-L-Frankel-Nature-Park

If you have concerns about going for a walk outside or would like to improve your walking, contact A to Z Personal Wellness.

Fitness, Grandparents, Health and Wellness,

Gardening Tips

The change in season brings a change of activities. Gardening and yard work are a great way to be physically active and enjoy the Spring weather. I do not have a green thumb and the deer are a major issue but the change in weather really helps get me motivated to attempt to make my yard look nice and it is a great reason to get outside! 

Here are some helpful tips to make sure you are staying safe, pain free and enjoying gardening and working in your yard this Spring:

  • Before starting out, make sure to check your yard for uneven ground, roots sticking out, loose rocks, branches/sticks that may be in your way, to avoid tripping or falling. 
  • Gardening can be a strenuous activity, so it is a good idea to take a few minutes to stretch/warm up before starting.
  • Take frequent breaks and remember to hydrate.
  • If you can, I would recommend raised plant beds and potted plants so that you do not have to be on the ground or bending over as much.
  • If you are working from the ground, I recommend using a pad to kneel on and using a half kneel position to keep your back in a more upright position and changing legs frequently.
  • Work in small areas so that you are not over reaching which could cause discomfort in your back, neck or shoulders or cause you to lose your balance. 
  • While you are gardening or doing yard work try to engage your core to help support your low back. Engage your core by pulling your belly button in towards your spine and tightening.
  • If you are raking be sure to switch arms to avoid overworking one side of your body. Rake when it is dry, wet leaves are heavier and also more slippery. Your body will thank you 🙂
  • Remember to bend at your knees and hips, and lift with your legs, not your back. Lifting lighter loads, more frequently is better than trying to fill up or lift as much as you can at one time. When lifting and carrying hold objects as close to your body and centered if possible.
  • If you need to use a ladder, make sure someone is near by and aware.

Contact A to Z Personal Wellness if you are feeling unsteady or want to improve your strength to make your yard work easier and more enjoyable!

Fitness, Health and Wellness, Tips,

Get Balanced, Stay Balanced, Be Balanced

Most of the time we don’t think about our balance until we feel unsteady or until we have a fall. However our balance starts to decline as early as our 30’s. The good news is that we can improve it with exercise! There are many factors that contribute to decreased balance as we age such as vision loss, medication side effects, decreased muscle strength, other health conditions, fear of falling, not getting enough sleep and the list goes on. 

Training static and dynamic balance can increase your coordination, better your reaction time, increase you mobility and agility, reduce fitness related or other injuries and allow you to perform better in your daily life. Falling is NOT a normal part of aging! Be proactive and prevent a fall. Even if you don’t feel old or are not concerned about your balance, focusing on these exercises can help you improve your tennis or golf game. 

Personal training is beneficial to determine what area or areas of balance you need to work on. Do you need to train to increase muscle strength, or train one of your sensory systems? A balance assessment can determine what areas need work and what exercises to focus on.

You may have heard about practicing standing on one leg as you brush your teeth or as you are in the kitchen waiting for your coffee and thought why do I need to do that? Well, it is important to practice single leg balance because we are on one leg during walking, climbing stairs, getting in a car, and stepping into a shower or tub. Try to do single leg balance at a counter top 2x/day and hold up to 1 min on each leg with as little or no hand support if possible. 

Another exercise to try at home:

Stand with your feet as close together as possible and hold for 30 seconds if you can, if that is too hard you can separate your feet a bit. If it is too easy try with your eyes closed. Another way to make it more challenging is to try it while standing on a pillow. Do this exercise in a corner and with a chair in front of you for safety.

Contact A to Z Personal Wellness for a balance assessment!

Fitness,

What is a Functional Aging Specialist and What is Functional Fitness?

I am a Certified Personal Trainer, a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, as well as a Functional Aging Specialist. Let me share with you what a Functional Aging Specialist is and what functional fitness can do for you. This certification is specifically for training those 55 and over. As part of the natural aging process our bodies and minds change. It focuses on the natural aging processes and how exercise can help minimize the changes of aging or even reverse it with exercise. Functional aging exercises are necessary to maintain a high quality of life and prevent aches, pains and injuries during day to day activities as we age. This knowledge allows me to create a program to increase balance, mobility and strength as you age in a safe and healthy way to achieve your goals and for you to continue to live your best life!

Functional fitness is exercise that can be done anywhere to strengthen your muscles in the same way you would need them to perform certain tasks or  everyday activities. Functional fitness can benefit active agers and those that are more sedentary. If your goal is to age in place, remain independent, keep doing all of the activities you love for as long as possible and have a high quality of life, then functional fitness is important to include in your routine. Even if you don’t like to exercise, think about movement being your medicine for maintaining a high quality of life. Functional fitness is a way for you to keep up with your grandkids, be able to clean your house, garden, continue to play golf, dance at family weddings or simply age with less aches and pains. Functional fitness doesn’t require fancy equipment and it is not about losing weight or developing large muscles, it is about strengthening the muscles you need strengthened to enjoy everyday life and to help improve your balance, mobility and prevent falls. 

For a FUNctional fitness program contact A to Z Personal Wellness

Fitness