By Piper Peterson, PT Osteopenia is one of two words used to describe the density of your bones, the other being Osteoporosis. Bones reach their normal “peak” density by age 30. Beginning in middle age, bone cells are reabsorbed by the body faster than new bone is made so that bones have less mass (density) […]
Gait Training Exercises By Gretchen Wilson Sit and Be Fit’s BET course (Balance Enhancement Training) is designed especially for senior fitness instructors to help students improve balance and gait. Below is a an excerpt taken from the gait training section in the BET manual. Anatomy of Gait Training At each phase in the gait cycle the […]
Gait Drill By Gretchen Wilson The military uses drills because they’re an effective way to train precision of movement and cultivate a habitual response. Try using this gait drill practice in your senior fitness class on a regular basis to help students build awareness of correct gait mechanics. For variety, once students become familiar with the cuing […]
Here’s something every boomer needs to know. Improving your gait needs to start now because it’s a building block for good balance and preventing falls. Why is fall prevention important? Unfortunately, falls are the number one reason older adults lose their independence. None of us want to give up our freedom or have a fall […]
Gait and Balance By Gretchen Wilson Paying attention to our gait as we grow older is important because it plays a crucial role in balance and fall prevention. To understand how gait affects balance let’s look at the physiological changes that affect gait as we age. These changes, which take place as a natural part […]
By Mary Ann Wilson, RN The BICEPS – TRICEPS – AND PECTORALS (chest muscles) are probably the best known in the body, YET studies show that the upper body suffers the most neglect. Women are especially weak in upper body strength with an additional problem in the back of the upper arm. The classic push-up, […]
By Mary Ann Wilson, RN Prolonged static postures and repetitive movements experienced in the workplace are risk factors that can lead to fatigue, tension and musculoskeletal problems such as neck strain, backache, headache, or repetitive strain injuries. Proper positioning at your desk and gentle exercises done for a few minutes each hour can help to […]
EXERCISING AT YOUR DESK OR COMPUTER By Mary Ann Wilson, RN Whether you are fitting exercise into your work schedule at the office or just taking a break at your desk at home while writing monthly bills, letters, or working at your home computer, you’ll find the following exercises will improve your concentration, make you […]
By Mary Ann Wilson, RN Here’s a great way to exercise at home if you have a free wall space to work with. Focus on maintaining good posture as you practice these functional wall exercises. Integrate them into your daily life for improved strength and range of motion. 1. Wall Push UpsStand 12” to 24” […]
Gait and Posture Tips for Walking By Gretchen Wilson Experts agree that walking is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to keep your body tuned up. Spending time walking properly will also help improve your balance. Whether you’re walking to get fit or training for a special event, you’ll get more out of your […]
