FIT BLOG:
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Have you heard of the Blue Zones? Areas around the world that have a high population of thriving 100 year olds. Ender and I started watching the Netflix series: Live to 100- Secrets of the Blue Zones. Studies are ongoing about their food, exercise, and lifestyles to find any commonalities among these wise souls. Even though it's been 19 years, we both vividly remember an encounter with the most hilarious, sharp witted gentleman in the tiny fishing village of La Sabana, Venezuela where we got married. We ran into him walking on the beach as he did every day. The town elder. Playful and proud of his age. We actually didn't believe it when he told us he was 100. He moved and looked like a 50 year old. I was blown away by his balance on the sand. He had to get another local to back up his story for us to finally believe him. He kept the beach clean and walked all over the town every day checking on and joking with his friends. His diet mostly fish and veggies. He was a character just like the folks you'll see in the Netflix series. In the first episode they brought up one of my top tips for staying active and agile as you age. It's something most people stop doing as they get older. Can you guess what it is? It's a great move and JLO song... Get ON THE FLOOR! Episode one refers to the Sit and Raise Test. It's been researched as a longevity test and tooted as a predictor of how long you will live.  Photo Source Credit: Singapore Times Whether or not this test truly predicts how long you'll live, it's a great test to check in on where the tight and weak spots are in your legs. You can try it if you don't have any major joint issues or just pay attention to where you struggle when you try to get up and down from the floor (even if you have to hold onto something). If you can't even attempt to get down on the floor, well that tells you a lot also. It's OK if you've stopped or avoid getting on the floor. Don't beat yourself up about it. One of the reasons I love yoga and pilates is they encourage us to get on the mat (floor) regularly. Unless you practice a religion that prays on the floor, have a job that involves getting on the floor (i.e. working with kids), or are from a culture that eats meals seated on the floor, you'll have to be more intentional about getting some floor time as you age. You need floor time just like babies need their tummy time! The mobility and strength to get up and down from the floor can help prevent falls as you age.
Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths for age 65 or older. If you struggle getting on and off the floor without using your arms, support or losing your balance, then it's time to start working on your hip mobility and strength. We've got you! Here are 2 ways to get started: Over To You: Grab your mat and get some floor time in this week. Cheers to Healthy Aging (& walking on the beach at 100)! Mollie P.S. Ho. Ho. Ho. It’s time to Roll. Our favorite foam roller is on sale until 12/31/23. It’s like having a PT, Chiro, Massage Therapist in one and the closest we can get to sending our hands home with you. You can find it here*. P.P.S. The waitlist for our new REST Camp is open & Week 2 Rest Moves will help you work on your mobility (moving with ease) from head to toe with your new foam roller. GET ON THE LIST *indicates affiliate link
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Mollie, Ender, Ty & Teddie
Mollie Miller, PT
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