Have You Heard of the Blue Zones?

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There is currently a Netflix documentary on the Blue Zones called Live to 100: The Secrets of the Blue Zones with Dan Buettner. There are also books about the Blue Zones but the Netflix series has raised more awareness about them. Maybe you don’t want to live to 100 but maybe you are looking to make changes in the new year or are working on or thinking about new year’s resolutions. Some tips from the Blue Zones might help you have the best year yet! The Blue Zones are areas of the world where people live the longest and healthiest.…

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Tips to Decrease the Aches and Pains of Fall Yard Work

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It’s that time of year when there is lots of yard work to be done! The leaves look so pretty as they change colors but they sure do make a lot of extra work. Here are some tips to help you avoid all the “rakes and pains" ;)  First tip is to warm up. You may not think of yard work as exercise but it is and it can be quite strenuous. So warming up 5-10 minutes before you start the yard work is a good idea. 2.) Since yard work is basically an exercise workout, treat it like one…

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What is a PWR! Moves Instructor and how can it help with Parkinson’s?

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I recently completed the PWR! Moves Instructor certification through Parkinson Wellness Recovery. It is a Parkinson's Disease specific training course for exercise professionals. There are four main PWR moves that are the building blocks for this exercise program which can be modified and/or progressed to any level to meet the needs of everyone. These moves are designed to help people with PD function better and reduce their symptoms as well as improve their strength, balance, agility, flexibility and aerobics. This exercise program and personal training challenges participants both physically and cognitively in a fun and supportive environment. The goal is…

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Ways to Improve and Maintain Strong Bones

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What can you do to improve or maintain good bone health? The best things you can do are exercise and make sure you are maintaining a bone healthy diet. Getting enough Calcium and Vitamin D is extremely important. Also important is making sure you are eating enough protein.  Trying to spread out both calcium and protein consumption throughout the day instead of at just one meal is beneficial for bone health. Eating enough protein throughout the day helps maintain muscle mass. Foods rich in Vitamin D include egg yolks, cheese, salmon, tuna, mushrooms, some yogurts, milk and orange juice that…

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A Quick Warm Up for Pickleball to Avoid Injuries

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Did you know April is National Pickleball Month? It also happens to be the time that outdoor courts have started to open up for the season.  I am only a beginner, but after hearing my mom talk obsessively about it, I have started to play a little and finally understand the craze! It is such a great way to be social while being physically active; I am all for it!  If you haven’t played in a while or are a beginner, try to ease into playing and slowly build up playing time so that you don’t injure yourself. Pickleball does…

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Simple and Quick Activities to Try with Grandkids

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Here are some fun energy burners for you to try with your grandkids. I know my kids love doing these activities with their grandparents. They can be played both indoors and outdoors and only with things you can find around your house! Red Light Green Light Green means go, yellow means slow down, and red means stop. Sometimes we add in different colors like purple for backwards walking. This game is also good for grandparents to work on speed changes and reaction time! Simon Says A classic game that can be as active as you want it to be. Some…

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Strength Training: A Prescription for Aging Well

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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…

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Snow Shoveling Tips to Help you Stay Safe and Pain-free

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Luckily we haven’t had to do much shoveling this winter and hopefully it stays that way:) However, it seems like the next few days we may need to do some. I know some people who love shoveling which is great. I am not one of them but I do feel good after I finish. It is a good form of exercise and I usually love being outside unless it is completely freezing. Shoveling done smartly and safely can be a good way to stay active in the winter and get some fresh air. Here are my tips for making shoveling…

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How to Avoid Slips and Falls This Winter

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Winter is here which means snow and ice and being indoors more. Here are my tips to prevent slipping, tripping or falling this winter.  When getting out of the car plant both feet and hang onto the door before starting to walk to make sure you have your balance and that it isn’t slippery Dress warmly - cold muscles tense up which affects balance and can cause a fall - also being warm decreases joint stiffness Wear shoes with good traction, even if it is just for a very short distance Wear clothes that fit well - if they are…

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Tips for Traveling and Fitting Exercise in this Holiday Season

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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…

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