Everyone is aware of our friend Marlene’s recent fall and resulting injuries. Each year, more than one-third of people age 65 or older fall. Falls and fall-related injuries, such as hip fracture, can have a serious impact on an older persons life. If you fall, it could limit your activities or make it impossible to live independently. Balance exercises, along with certain strength exercises, can help prevent falls by improving your ability to control and maintain your bodys position, whether you are moving or still. I have a personal story to share. At the end of May I started going to the gym on a regular basis. Several months after starting to exercise I was walking down the street and tripped over something. I knew instantly that I was headed for a face plant and injury. BUT, all of a sudden I literally felt my core muscles, abdominal muscles and back muscles kick in to help keep my body upright and I DIDN’T fall. I lunged forward a few steps like Frankenstein, but I didn’t fall and I wasn’t injured and it was all because of the fact that my muscles and balance were able to keep me upright. The light bulb went on in my head and at that moment I realized just how very important exercise is. Because Marlene’s injuries are all very fresh in our minds, and because we all know how easy it is to trip over things in the streets of Cotacachi, this might be the perfect time for folks to consider taking some classes to improve their balance, flexibility, strength and endurance. All it takes is 30 minutes of exercise a day to notice dramatic improvements. And since most expats here are retired, it probably will be easy to find those extra minutes in your day. If there is interest, I’ll start teaching exercise classes specifically to help improve balance and flexibility. The classes will be low cost (the classes will be more or less a public service!) and will start out at a level where people who haven’t exercised in years will feel successful. The classes will be held at Vital Gym and will probably happen around midday, because that is when the gym is closed to regular gym members. So, if you have interest in these classes or want more information, send me a message at elmocat123@gmail.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 19:48:24 +0000
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