I started practicing Aegean Fitness in my 20s. Now I'm in my 50s. I am a little older, a little slower, a little more stiff, and have a bit more pain in my joints. Sometimes I want to quit moving. That's a bad idea.
When I was sick with Covid several months ago I stayed inside and did not exercise. Walking across the room made me tired. Not moving for 10 days made me feel weak and stiff. I had to start moving again. I started with short walks and stretching. I walked a little longer and and little faster each day. I slowly added sprints, stretches, and swimming.
Dory gave Nemo's dad some great advice, "Just keep swimming." That's what I try to do. Even when I don't feel like it or when I'm busy. Here are some moving tips for older bodies like mine:
Move until you breathe hard. (For example, walk up stairs, run sprints, swim, jump rope, or skip.) That's what I mean by move.
Move every day. (A few minutes is better than nothing.)
Avoid excuses. (For example, "I'm too tired," or "I don't have time.")
Move. Rest. Slowly and carefully stretch. Breathe deep. Repeat.
Listen to your body. Slow down or stop if you feel pain.
Hydrate while moving. And when you finish.
Stretch after moving.
Eat well after moving (such as fresh vegetables, fruits, protein, vitamins).
Rest after moving. (To help you recover and motivate you to move again tomorrow.)
Sleep well.
Move again tomorrow.
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