Simple Stretching

How many adults over 50 can do simple stretches one of the most basic movements for the human body. Unfortunately not many and why is that?

My theory is we're not taught when we're kids so we don't stretch when we become adults. Let me show you a way to start to become a person who stretches.

After sitting at your desk on your computer for a period of time sit back straighten your posture and raise your arms above your head reaching for the ceiling and hold it for thirty seconds. Do this three times and see how much better you feel. This is just one simple stretch that will make the long hours at your computer so much better. I'll suggest a number of other stretches in later blogs.

Keep it Simple, Consistent and Fun.

Fast Food Nation

With all the credible information out there to guide us towards a healthier diet the majority of Americans still eat badly. Why? Statistics show us that the majority of people still live on fast foods. The convenience and price of fast foods unfortunately sways many into eating a very unhealthy diet.

As a healthy 75 year old I began to change my bad eating habits when I turned 50. I always exercised but my eating habits were full of processed fatty foods. Slowly I began to integrate more fruits and vegetables into my diet and surprise, surprise I found I really enjoy theses new foods. Without going on a "diet" over the next 10 years I went from 170 to 150 pounds by doing the following: eating less food, less fatty foods and stopped the constant snacking. It works.

Keep it Simple, Consistent and Fun.

Exercise and finishing

The best part of exercising is finishing. When it feels so difficult to start your exercise just remember how good you felt when you finished the day before. It's a real mental motivator.

Change your walking or running route so you don't get bored or lose interest. Never start with a difficult goal. Ease into it and remember the first 10 minutes is the most difficult. Instead of walking or jogging in the city go for a hike, it's a whole different experience without cars or noise only trees, walking paths, fresh air and lots of quiet.

All these choices are yours and yours alone.

Keep it Simple, Consistent and Fun

It's so Simple

It's really so simple, just go out the door and get started. Within a block of brisk walking you'll begin to feel the difference. Picking up the pace your shoulders will start to move back your breathing will become easier and your thinking will be more positive. Try a little jog for about 30 seconds intervals then back to brisk walking. Look around as you walk and really see the neighborhood you live in. As a walker and not a driver it's a very different experience.

The hour will pass real quickly and you're done. Then some simple stretches to end your exercise for the day. If you have the time a short brisk walk after dinner will help digest your food and allow you to sleep better.

Keep it Simple, Consistent and Fun.

Never to old!!

Last week I did a duathlon (run-bike-run) in La Quinta, Ca. and surprise, surprise I came in first in my age group of 75+. The real surprise was that four other men in my division were older, one was 80!!

The race started out with a one mile run then a fourteen mile bike ride and ending up with a three mile run. At 75 I can't run or bike as fast as I would like but I can still do it and that's what counts. A great feeling just finishing.