How to Stay Active and Mobile as You Age

Written By: Kaylie Ricks

Let's rip the bandaid off... we're all aging! Gracefully, of course! But nonetheless, with each passing day we are getting older. With age comes the importance of maintaining mobility. At MVP, we champion the idea that fitness isn't just about looking good; it's about feeling good and moving well regardless of your age! With 18 days left until the new year, let's focus on functional fitness, and explore its significance in preserving mobility and enhancing daily life.

But first, functional fitness is more than just lifting weights or running on a treadmill; it's about training your body to perform daily activities with ease and efficiency. Whether it's bending to tie your shoes, carrying groceries, or climbing stairs, functional fitness focuses on movements that mimic real-life activities.

The Importance of Functional Fitness as You Age:

Functional fitness is a key player in maintaining independence as you age. By training your body to perform everyday movements, you can continue to tackle daily tasks without relying heavily on assistance. Not to mention, as the years go by, maintaining flexibility and mobility becomes more important. Functional exercises emphasize joint mobility and flexibility, helping to prevent stiffness and improve your range of motion.

It's not super pretty to talk about, but it's important to do so! And that's that one of the biggest concerns for older adults is the risk of falls. Functional fitness targets balance and stability, reducing the likelihood of falls and enhancing your ability to recover if a misstep does occur. Functional exercises also engage multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously, promoting overall joint health. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with arthritis or other age-related joint issues.

Functional Exercises to Incorporate Into Your Routine:

Squats: Mimicking the motion of sitting and standing, squats engage the muscles in your thighs, hips, and buttocks, promoting strength and stability.

Lunges: Perfect for improving balance and strengthening the lower body, lunges target the muscles in your legs and hips.

Core Exercises: A strong core is essential for stability and balance. Incorporate exercises like planks, twists, and leg raises to keep your core muscles in top shape.

Step-Ups: Improve leg strength and balance by incorporating step-ups into your routine. This exercise mimics the motion of climbing stairs, enhancing functionality in daily activities.

Aging is a journey to be embraced with strength, vitality, and independence. Functional fitness serves as a valuable companion on this journey, offering a roadmap to maintaining mobility and enhancing daily life. As you lace up your sneakers, remember that each movement is a step toward a more vibrant and active future. Here's to aging gracefully and moving with purpose!