Move Naturally all Day Long

We know exercise is important. The key learned from the Blue Zones is that these folks were active without having to think about it. They incorporated exercise into their daily lifestyle. These Longevity All Stars didn’t run marathons. They didn’t even spend countless hours at the gym. They went about their life walking, gardening, and working

The overall goal for us as we follow this path to longevity is to get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise at least five times a week.
For myself, I so enjoy the accountability of a Fitbit. It is such a good feeling to actually know that I have walked my goal number of steps each day. It reminds me to stop working periodically and get up and just walk.  My house is used to my walking path.

Walking and praying  have always gone hand in hand for me. Walking is a magnificent stress reliever. I remember the years our son went through a rebellious season as he was growing up. My walking increased and so did my praying.

Recently,  I am finding that walking in a well lighted area like around our kitchen bar is also a great motivation and time to read.  It is rewarding as I catch up on magazine articles I had set aside to read “sometime” and books as well. Steps really accumulate when praying or reading.

John and I both have found that ballroom dancing is tremendously fun and rewarding.  It is an exceptional way to exercise  our muscles and our mind (as we remember patterns.) It has given us a complete new addition of friends as well that are an absolute joy to be with at dances.  We dance once  a week, some weeks twice, and also take lessons.  We have transformed a room in our home into a dance room to practice in. We want those brain synapses to be strong and our minds to keep sharp.

Although I have never really liked going to a gym, John and I both are very blessed by our two day a week Crossfit Class. Our amazing coach, Erin Hathaway of Crossfit AMMO, created this class for those over 50, when I began Crossfit about three years ago (maybe four). Soon we had two, then three or four and now about twelve. John and I are among the oldest,  but do hold our own fairly well.  We see the rewards of added muscle tone, endurance, and cardio strengthening as well as balance and flexibility. And I can’t forget the community of friends this class has provided.

What have you found that you enjoy as exercise? It might be a bowling league like our team member, Donna, is on. It might be just waking. Whatever it is, it is great to make it a habit in your life.

I’d love to hear your comments of your “just move naturally” ideas.