Working on our Longevity
This week, I worked on getting back into the rhythm of my life. I usually love to travel and could get going again soon, but the older I get, the more I like to ground myself to my home for a bit before I head out again.
I quite enjoy the rhythm of my life.
I had been thinking about this all week and realized when I traveled, I did some walking and last week, did pilates every day for about 30 minutes. What I did learn is that I love feeling strong. I love the mind/body connection I find with yoga and pilates. I enjoy walking, but I don't get the same feeling - remember this is me-you may feel differently.
This reminded me of an article I read in Men's Health magazine about Dr. Peter Attia's 10Square facility in Austin, TX. His goal is to empower people to find a training program that works for them, including strength, stability, and cardio fitness, which are essential to longevity. He came up with the Centenarian Decathlon, which is ten physical activities you want to do to feel happy in the last decade of your life.
I was encouraged when I read this article that I include many of the tests that were given for longevity in my classes. We work on our toe and feet movement, our breathing, eye movement, balance and stability, squatting, calf raises, gait, grip strength, hip strength, resistance training.
Peter Attia suggests zone 2 cardio, which means it is easy to continue talking easily while participating in your cardio. There is also a lot of research on zone 2 cardio in peri-menopause. If you're not a big fan of cardio, find something that you enjoy doing so you continue to do it.
It was also suggested that you schedule your work outs exactly as you would a work meeting or a sports meeting for your kids. I'm a fan of putting it on your calendar so it has a reserved place.
Yes, we need to begin now. For fun, write down what activities you want to participate in in the last decade of your life—let's say your 80s—so you can begin to work on these now.
Here are mine:
Travel and put my suitcase up in the overhead bin
Get up and off the toilet and chair with ease
Get up off the floor after playing with my grandchildren
Hike and bike
Not fall!
Have the endurance needed to travel & walk long distances
Be able to tie my shoes and open jars
Not rely heavily on glasses
Play pickleball for fun
Working in my yard and garden
I'd love to hear your top 10! Also, let me know if you want anything added to your class experience!
As we enter the week of the Spring Equinox, may you find new beginnings on your journey to longevity!
