My journey in fitness began back in 2007 with a Level 2 Exercise & Fitness Knowledge and Gym Instructing qualification. Over the years, new data has emerged on staying active as we age, but it all boils down to one simple truth:
We need to stress our bodies just enough to progress. Not enough stress and we plateau, too much and we regress. Think about this: if you go on holiday for two weeks and spend your days lounging by the pool, you’ll find it tougher to exercise when you return. Here are some fascinating facts:
Scary, right?
This is why we must keep moving. Simple actions like making a cup of tea, taking the stairs instead of the escalator, and walking to the shop all count. Pilates, combined with an active lifestyle, can significantly slow down the aging process. If you have a sedentary job, an hour of Pilates alone won’t offset the time spent sitting. It’s about staying active throughout the day.
Did you know that staying active can slow the aging process by up to 25%?
All movement is neural, and as we age, our nerves start to die—a natural process. Less movement leads to a decline in neural activity, accelerating aging. Our Central Nervous System (CNS) branches into two sections:
The Peripheral Nervous System consists of nerves that instruct muscles when to contract and relax. Without activity, this system declines, leading to muscle loss and a cycle of deterioration:
No movement leads to a decline in neural activity of the ‘core,’ reducing spine support. In Pilates, focus on controlled movements to engage your full core system, supporting your spine and maintaining your height. Look up these muscles: Pelvic Floor, Transverse Abdominus (TVA), Diaphragm, Internal and External Obliques, Quadratus Lumborum, Multifidus & Spinalis, Iliopsoas.
There’s something wonderful about being out in nature. Walking outdoors is free! To avoid a fitness plateau, vary your walks: one day a fast 20-minute walk, the next a longer, slower one.
The movements you find awkward are often the ones you need most. Keep doing them to combat neural decline. Remember, If You Don’t Use It, You Lose It.
Healthcare starts at home. Invest in exercise and quality food to stay healthy and fit. Consult experts when needed. For instance, a physiotherapist for a knee injury or a health coach for high blood pressure. Learning from the best helps prevent disease.
“If you squeezed out all the water from your brain, a whopping 60% of the ‘dry weight’ would be fat. These fats are always being replenished, so it’s crucial to know which kind will feed your brain best.” – Patrick Holford, Optimal Nutrition For The Mind
Here’s a quick diet tip: Remove table salt from your diet. Opt for Celtic salt, unrefined sea salt, or pink Himalayan salt. A member mentioned their nurse advised cutting down on salt due to high blood pressure. While there’s some truth in this, it’s crucial to focus on the quality of the salt. Table salt is mostly sodium chloride, but our bodies need a balance of sodium and potassium. Choose better salts and cut out processed foods.
Inspiration and More Resources Consider your current lifestyle and make small changes to keep moving. If you want to learn more, check out these experts:
Rehab Hub – Based in Dunton, Biggleswade (rehabhub.co.uk)
“Add life to your years, not years to your life!” – Dr. Mark Hyman
Feel free to reach out with any questions. I’m here to guide you, though I’m not a medical professional. I’ll refer you to the right experts when needed.
Let’s keep moving and stay young together!
