Do you ‘snack’
Resistance training is key to aging well, and I encourage all of you to make it a part of your everyday life. Lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, or push-ups can help you stay strong, live independently for longer, reduce your risk of diseases like diabetes, and even improve your sleep and mental well-being. While structured workouts are fantastic, you can also add "exercise snacking" into your day. This simply means doing short bursts of exercises, even as brief as 20 seconds, throughout the day—no fancy equipment needed! I like to do calf raises while waiting for the coffee machine to reach optimum temperature ☕.
If you're already doing basic exercises, try adding resistance bands or dumbbells to increase the challenge. Simple changes like doing a few squats or lunges when getting up from a chair, or a few push-ups against the kitchen bench before a meal can make a big difference. Research shows that these short, frequent sessions are not only great for breaking up long periods of sitting but also help keep your blood sugar levels steady and build a sustainable exercise habit.
As we age, maintaining muscle mass and strength becomes even more important to prevent falls, reduce joint pain, and keep doing the activities you love. For women, this is especially crucial as muscle loss and osteoporosis are more common. Resistance training can help improve your balance, strength, and bone density. Thanks JB for sharing your “good news” bone density story with me this week.
So, let's make a commitment to include these small bursts of activity throughout our day. Whether it's a few squats while waiting for the kettle to boil or calf raises while brushing your teeth, every little bit counts towards a healthier, more independent you. Start your "exercise snacking" today, and let's keep moving towards better health together!
The information and content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or other advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any exercise, or fitness program.
