Embrace the Seasons of Change: Tips for Aging Gracefully
Welcome to the change of seasons! As the leaves fall and we see the weather changing to winter, it's the perfect time to reflect on our journey through life. This season, we'll explore tips and insights on aging gracefully, exploring new ways our bodies move, including via Pilates, with a focus on health and wellness.
Aging Gracefully: Embracing Health and Wellness
Oftentimes I hear I don't have time to exercise, meal prep or eat home-cooked meals. The way I look at staying active and eating well is I don't have time to be sick. So here are a few suggestions to help you along the way. Setting priorities and approaching these ideas or others sets your standard. Not so much about goal setting. How do you want to feel? How do you want to show up for yourself?
1. Stay Active: Regular exercise boosts health and mobility.
2. Eat Well: Focus on real food and prepare most of your meals.
3. Skincare: Use sunscreen and moisturizers to protect your skin.
4. Mental Engagement: Challenge your mind with puzzles and new skills.
5. Socialize: Maintain connections with friends and family.
6. Manage Stress: Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
7. Regular Check-ups: Stay proactive about your health.
8. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
9. Embrace Learning: Try new experiences and hobbies.
10. Stay Positive: Focus on gratitude and joy in life.
11. MOVE!
End of Year Special! Buy a package by December 10 and receive one free class.
There will be a price increase sometime early in 2025.
Why You Shouldn't Glorify Your Former Self
I recently came across a thought-provoking article titled "Why You Shouldn’t Glorify Your Former Self." This piece resonated deeply with me, highlighting the pressures we place on ourselves regarding aging and the physical changes we experience over time. Click this link to read the article.
The Reality of Aging: Aging can bring about feelings of nostalgia for our younger selves—times when we felt more energetic or capable. However, glorifying those past versions of ourselves can create unnecessary pressure and hinder our ability to appreciate the present. It’s essential to acknowledge that our bodies change, and so do our abilities.
Understanding Our Bodies: One fascinating aspect I’ve learned from various teachers I've had the good fortune to have studied with recently is how our fascia and connective tissue evolve as we age. The movements we once performed with ease may not be as accessible now, and that’s perfectly okay. This shift doesn’t mean we are less capable; it simply means we’re adapting to a new phase of life.
Embracing New Movements: As we age, it's vital to honor our current abilities and explore new ways to move. Rather than trying to replicate what we used to do, we can embrace different forms of movement that feel good in our bodies today. This could mean exploring gentle yoga, walking, or even creative dance.
Letting Go of Comparisons: Let’s encourage ourselves to let go of comparisons to our younger selves. Instead, we can focus on what brings us joy and fulfillment now. Celebrate the wisdom and experiences you’ve gained, and recognize that each stage of life has its own beauty.
Call to Action: I invite you to reflect on your own journey. What changes have you experienced? How can you celebrate the present moment? Let’s support one another in embracing our evolving selves.
If you have any questions regarding your Pilates in the studio please reach out to me. If you have any interest in one-on-one Wellness and Health Coaching with me contact me for that as well. My November group is full and I will start another early January, if you are interested.
Cheers to aging gracefully and with dignity,
Coach Conni
What's New in the Fitness World: Embracing the Fascial Nervous System
In my recent discussions, I’ve highlighted the growing emphasis on strength training that focuses on the fascial nervous system. This approach prioritizes not just traditional strength but also flexibility, mobility, and overall body awareness.
Integrative Movement Practices: What does this look like in practice? It encompasses a variety of activities, including:
Stretching: Gentle, mindful stretching helps maintain flexibility and releases tension in the body.
Pilates and Yoga: These practices focus on core strength, stability, and connection between the body and mind, enhancing our overall movement quality.
Simple Movements Around the House: Everyday activities—like squatting to pick something up or reaching for an item on a high shelf—can be opportunities to engage your body intentionally.
Morning Movement Routine: A key takeaway from this perspective is the importance of starting each day by evaluating how you feel. Consider incorporating 10-15 minutes of movement into your morning routine. Here’s a simple practice to try:
Get Down on the Floor: Find a comfortable spot and allow yourself to explore movement.
Floor Exercises: Engage in gentle stretches or mobility exercises.
Assess Your Ability: Pay attention to how easily you can get down to the floor and back up again without using your hands. This not only builds strength but also reflects your functional mobility.
Why It Matters: These practices can enhance your strength and flexibility while promoting overall wellness. Listening to your body and adapting your movements accordingly is key to maintaining vitality as we age.
