The Ground Test: Why It Matters More Than You Think

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Imagine this: you’re at home, and something rolls under the couch. You kneel down to grab it, but when it’s time to get back up, it feels harder than it used to. Sound familiar? For many people, getting up and down from the ground isn’t something we think about—until the day we realize it’s a challenge. But here’s the truth: this simple movement is one of the most powerful tools we have for staying independent and preventing falls. Why It’s So Important Falls happen—even to healthy, active people. The difference comes down to how safely and confidently you can get up…

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Exercise for Brain Health

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Need Another Reason or Motivation to Exercise? Exercise has many health benefits but did you know it enhances brain health? It can improve cognition and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases as we age. Also good news, any exercise is beneficial for brain health! If you combine aerobic exercises and resistance training (strength) it can be even better for your brain. The recommendation is to exercise at a moderate intensity for 150 minutes a week. It takes approximately 6 months to reap the cognitive benefits, so build it into your routine. 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week is ideal.Other top…

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Is it Time to Change up your Walking Routine?

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Caucasian women walking in park

Walking is one of the best things you can do for your health and there are ways to change it up to make it even better! Change speeds! This challenges your balance and your muscles more than maintaining one speed for the duration of your walk. If you walk the same route everyday try reversing it or walking somewhere new. This also helps keep your brain stimulated. Try to include inclines and declines,( as long as you can do it safely), to work your muscles differently. This can also challenge your balance and posture. Make sure on the inclines you…

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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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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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Is it Pain or Muscle Soreness?

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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…

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Ways to Make Exercise a Daily Habit

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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…

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