Another advantage of being physically active your whole life and into your senior years, is that you are at less risk of developing dementia, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and various cancers.
Just reading that, why wouldn’t you want to move? Especially if you have a familial history of any of the above. Obviously, being more active is not a guarantee that you will avoid these kinds of issues, but why would you want to add to the risk of making them more viable?
If your health right now allows you to move just a little bit, then do it.
Here’s a little movement exercise you can do right now while you’re reading this.
- Unclench your jaw and drop your tongue from the roof of our mouth.
- Drop your chin and travel it to your left shoulder and then to your right shoulder.
- Roll your shoulders forwards a few times, and then backwards.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for a few seconds, repeat a couple of times.
- Squeeze your glutes together and feel your whole body rise a little if you’re sitting.
- Lift your knee, with help of your hand if needed, as high as possible and hold for a few seconds. Repeat with the other leg.
- Draw circles on the floor with your heels to get your knee and lower leg moving.
- Roll your ankles and wrists in circles for a few seconds.
- Squeeze all your muscles tight for a moment like you’re trying to be in a tight ball and release.
How did that feel? Feel a little bit more awake now? Or not? Why not? Try it again if needs be, and notice how much more aware you are of your body now.
This is a great little exercise to participate in a few times a day, especially when working from a desk where you can easily go a few hours without moving much at all. Incorporate movement any and every where you can. Standing in line at the checkout? Stretch your calves, roll your shoulders, wrists, ankles. Get started in small ways and see where it takes you. You will most likely never be like the Instagram athletes you see, most are ex-gymnasts or Olympians, but that does not mean you shouldn’t strive for your personal physical best so you can protect yourself from a wealth of issues as you age. You’ve aged a few moments since you started reading this. What are you waiting for?
Digital Courses also now available to help you with your neck and shoulder issues, buy online at www.astralfitness.co.uk.
Thank you for taking time to read this week’s blog – Decrease Your Risk Of Developing Dementia.
Don’t forget to get your next sports massage at www.astralfitness.co.uk. You can use my Booking Link or check out my website for a little further information at www.astralfitness.co.uk
We look forward to helping you.
Chloe & Jen