Functional Fitness
I read about functional fitness years ago, when my husband and I were still “young olds.” It sounded good but it didn’t really apply to us, or so we thought. Twenty odd years later it is a different story. We need help. If you, or someone near and dear, is teetering on the edge, you have some decisions to make.
You are not alone if simple tasks like reaching dishes on a top shelf, carrying bags of groceries into the house, pulling on socks, or even bending down to pick something up from the floor is becoming difficult.
Gerontologists, Physical Therapists, and Personal Trainers are now focusing on exercises to help seniors perform normal everyday activities.
Once you reached a “certain age,” having a “beach body” is no longer a realistic goal. Strength, balance, and coordination are more important than bulging biceps or six-pack abs. No amount of “pumping iron” or cosmetic surgery is going to reverse the aging process.
You need something that is going to keep you upright, mobile, and able to take care of yourself. Being able to “function” in real life situations takes on a whole new meaning at 80 than it did at 60. The operative word being “function.” One day you are fine, your usual self, and the next day (or so it seems) you find yourself stumbling or losing your balance for no reason at all. You can’t safely change the ceiling light bulb, change a refrigerator water filter, or walk your dog.
You want to do whatever it takes to get a handle on these minor inconveniences. Seek professional help (although you can do this on your own if you want) and decide that you are willing to do whatever it takes to keep you moving forward.
Exercise with a purpose. The purpose is being able to get safely through your day without hurting yourself. You need strength, flexibility, and range of motion exercises if you want to “function” in real life situations. Don’t put this off. Have a discussion with your doctor or your fitness trainer today.
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