STROLL YOUR WAY TO HEALTH
Gentle Exercises to Get Fit Without the Fuss
Ever wish you could get a killer workout without feeling like you’re auditioning for a role in an action movie? Low-impact workouts prove you don’t need to jump, jog, or jostle to get your heart pumping and muscles working. Whether it’s stepping into a fitness routine for the first time or rehabbing an injury to meet your health goals, low-impact exercises are a gentle, safe way to get in shape. Grab your water bottle as we power walk through three low-impact routines! Walking Regular walks have many physical and emotional benefits. This exercise is terrific for improving balance, managing weight, and boosting mood, and it’s also free to participate in. Walking is gentle on your body, and you determine your pace. If you want to increase the intensity of your walking workout, walk up a hill or use a treadmill at an incline. If losing weight is high on your fitness goals, strive to walk 30 minutes daily, but remember, every step helps! Pilates Pilates focuses on controlled movements, improving core strength, alignment, and proper breathing techniques. Though this low-impact routine is easy on your joints, you’ll still work up a sweat and improve your strength, balance, and overall quality of life. Pilates also helps reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and increase energy levels!
isolation and challenges to their self-esteem by pursuing personal passions and engaging in activities that improve their physical and mental well-being. “You don’t have to succumb to what people think life should be like at your age or what people have done in the generation before you,” explains psychotherapist Angela Buttimer. “With conscious aging, you become your own pioneer.” As just one example, Japanese researchers have found that “forest bathing” — walking with friends through a wooded area — can positively affect an older person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual state. On the more intense side of the spectrum, online TV talk show host Donna Chambers (“Limestone Lens”) once shared a story of a 92-year-old friend who found joy in reupholstering her entire RV . Although your “conscious aging” activities will depend mainly on your physical capabilities, the ultimate goal is to prevent stagnation, reenergize your mind, and explore whatever will lead you toward greater vitality and self-fulfillment. Above all, “conscious aging” is about recognizing that we can get the most out of life at any age. As Buttimer says, “Take your power back by making choices that are authentic to you. There are so many opinions out there, such as ‘never color your hair’ or ‘you need to color your hair if you have grays.’ But it’s your choice.” Circuit Training If you want a complete cardio session that’s gentle on your joints and quick to get done, consider creating a circuit training routine. Begin by selecting a series of low-impact exercises like glute bridges or toe taps. You will perform each move for the same number of reps, then move on to the next exercise without a break. Try to complete the entire sequence as often as possible within 15–20 minutes. Circuit training offers a full-body workout perfect for all experience levels. So, if you’re looking for a workout that delivers results without the high-impact drama, low-impact exercises are your ticket to fitness success. Embrace these gentle routines and enjoy the journey to a healthier you — minus the action movie stunts!
Too often, people determine their sense of value and belonging in society by age. Plenty of TV commercials — as well as the cosmetics sections in our local pharmacies and supermarkets — urge us to buy products that help us defy the physical characteristics of middle age and beyond. As our culture continues to celebrate youth, many elderly folks are pushing against the tide by embracing the philosophy of “conscious aging.” The Power of ‘Conscious Aging’
Also known as “conscious eldering,” “conscious aging” is a lifestyle based on the belief that older adults can rise above feelings of
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