Sound Body, Sound Mind

As our body goes, so goes our mind.
You know how you feel after a long car trip, when you finally get out of the car and stand up, you’re stiff and sore, right? Imagine years of not getting up. One day you’ll realize your body aches are chronic and your memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Most just complain and brush it off as old age.

You don’t have to live this way! Make yourself get up and do something aerobic at least 3 times per week. You could go on a walk, run, take a bike ride, invest in cardio equipment, or join a gym. Start slow and steady. Try to get your heart rate up for at least 20 minutes each time. Add in weight bearing exercise, flexibility and balance exercises, and notice your aches and pains diminish.

Find a Buddy
I recommend finding an exercise buddy to keep yourself on track. Those who exercise with a partner are much more likely to continue their routine. Motivating each other and holding each other accountable to your exercise schedule goes a long way in your success.

What’s good for your heart is also good for your mind
Each year that we don’t get the exercise our body needs, we age prematurely. Not only does your body start to deteriorate, so does your mind. Studies have shown that exercise can actually ward off dementia, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and high blood pressure. According to Dr. Stephan Bamberger, PhD, Lac, “The connection between Alzheimer’s disease and blood supply to the brain, has recently been confirmed by researchers at the University of Leiden in Holland.” As your blood flow decreases, due to clogged arteries or blood clots, your body and mind will feel the difference.

Avoid Crippling Effects and Future Medication
• Exercise has been proven to:
• Improve your immunity
• Improve your cardiovascular function
• Improve your digestive system
• Protect against loss of bone mass with weight bearing exercises
• Improve your functional reach
• Improve your balance and flexibility
• Reduce pain from rheumatoid arthritis
• Reverse muscle atrophy

As a former fitness club owner, I witnessed the positive effects on the elderly, who happened to make up the majority of our membership. Two personal stories are testimonies to the need to begin or continue an exercise routine.

Virginia
The oldest member of our club was sharp as a tack, with memory better than most our younger members. She was (and still is) friendly and loved by all our members who came in to work out the same hours as she. Virginia drove herself and a friend to our club 3 x’s per week. She walked laps in our pool, stretched out in the hot tub, took a shower and afterwards, usually rushed out to meet some friends for dinner. We celebrated her 100th Birthday Party at our gym with her family and friends.

Texas
Waiting in the dark in his car 3 mornings per week, Texas would wait until an employee arrived to open the door at 5:15 a.m. Texas proved to his doctor that he had what it takes to ward off the diseases that can come with old age. I met Texas when he was a young 75 year old gentleman. The previous year, Texas was told by his Dr. that he was going to die in 6 months if he didn’t start changing his ways. He was diagnosed with Type II diabetes and high blood
pressure. The very next day he joined a fitness center and started walking on a treadmill for and hour 3 x’s per week and started watching what he ate. In 6 months, his diabetes had disappeared and he was taken off his heart medication. Now 78 years of age, he continues his routine religiously each week, always with a smile on his face.
Allow Virginia and Texas to be your inspiration. Kick some of those painful signs of old age by making some lifestyle changes to improve your quality of life.
Always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.