Moving with stability and control can become more challenging as we age. If you’ve noticed this, then it might be time to start exercising to increase your mobility.
For example, can you squat down and then get back up? Do your joints ache, like your wrists, hips and knees?
With poor mobility, we can lose the ability to do things we enjoy; have a higher risk of falling; and experience social isolation.
Studies suggest that the more we exercise, the better off we’ll be. Mobility limitations in older adults are commonly caused by low physical activity, strength or balance impairment, obesity, and chronic illness like diabetes.
In addition to strength training, mobility work often includes foam rolling, mobility drills, and stretching. By working out to increase our mobility, we help avoid injury; protect and support joints; and maintain a fuller range of motion.
For maturing active adults, mobility work is essential for a safe, healthy lifestyle – whether you’re picking up grocery bags or kettlebells, cleaning house or completing a workout.
Sore joints, limited movement and joint pain are often made worse by our sedentary lifestyles. We sit a lot. We don’t move much at most jobs. We look at screens too much, hunched over a desk or looking down at a phone.
The right exercises can prevent bad posture, pain and physical disfunction.
Take an active role in maintaining your mobility so you can live the life you want to live. We’re here to show you how.
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.