Mobility at every age should be your Non-Negotiable!
Movement is freedom. It’s what lets you chase kids around the backyard, explore new hiking trails, or simply get up in the morning with ease. But here’s the truth: mobility doesn’t take care of itself — especially as we age.
With my mother now being in a rest home, frequently visiting her has allowed me to see exactly what I DON’T want for myself, and also exactly what I DO want. That my friend as you can imagine is mobility, fitness, strength and good health. Go and spend a bit of time in those places and you should get an idea of how important it is for us to stay as active as possible for our WHOLE life!
The good news is, staying mobile doesn’t have to mean intense training or complicated routines. It’s the small daily habits that keep your joints, muscles, and mind working with you, not against you.
1. Use It or Lose It
Mobility isn’t something you hold on to by sitting still. Daily movement — walking, stretching, and lifting— tells your joints and muscles: this is what we do; this is how we live. The type of movement can change with the season of life, but the habit of movement is one to keep.
2. Prioritise Recovery
It’s not during movement that your body grows stronger — it’s in the recovery that follows. Adequate sleep, hydration, protein, magnesium, and downtime are non-negotiables. Great for your mind and your body to also re-set with active recovery such as beautiful yoga, or meditation or stretch class, or even just a gentle walk on the beach.
3. Build Strength
Strong muscles are protective muscles. They support joints, improve balance, and reduce the risk of injury. Whether it’s resistance training in your 20s or bodyweight exercises in your 70s, strength is mobility’s (and metabolism’s) best friend.
4. Listen to Your Body
Aches and pains are your body’s way of communicating that something isn’t quite right — and rarely is there any benefit to pushing through. Instead, pay attention, adapt your routine and recovery, and seek support when you need it.
I have many clients who still come to me with injuries. I have an incredible lady who is coming to me with severe crippling pain in her knees at the moment, but you know what, she still SHOWS UP! We can build her upper body strength, great for her mind and her health, plus there is a way we can work her lower body without putting pressure on her knees.
Find a way – Not an excuse. Too often I am listening to women in burnout who ‘don’t have time’ for themselves and have a million other priorities ahead of their health. I get we are busy, but this is literally such a short piece of your day. Make the time for your health now or you could be spending a lot of time stuck in a hospital bed later.