Get up and get moving

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/06/2022 (828 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

We may have to remain physically distanced for some time yet because of the pandemic, but we need to remember that being physically active is still an essential part of healthy living, says the head of Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM).

“We want to encourage people to sit less and move more,” says AAIM executive director Karin Whalen.

Of course, being physically active in these socially distanced times is not as simple as it once was. That’s why AAIM, like many other organizations, has shifted to delivering many of the programs and services it normally offers in-person to online platforms.

It’s popular Steppin’ Up With Confidence (SUWC) peer-led exercise program for adults 55 years of age or older is now available virtually. Several of AAIM’s peer leaders have also recorded virtual exercise classes that are available on social media platforms such as YouTube.

Peer leaders are also reaching out to older adults by phone as part of the program and walking them through exercises they can do together. Whalen says this version of Steppin’ Up is not only allowing participants to be more physically active, but also helping them deal with the social isolation they may be facing as a result of the pandemic.

AAIM is also now offering an audio version of its Take a Minute to Move campaign on its website (activeagingmb.ca).

The short, one-minute clips walk people through a variety of exercises designed specifically for people 55-plus.

In addition, the organization is also posting a variety of activity-related webinars and presentations online that are available free of charge.

Whalen stresses that while it’s important to follow public health recommendations about social distancing, that doesn’t preclude spending time outside.

“Doing things outside is wonderful, not only for your physical health but your mental health too. People sometimes forget how great going outside can be. You tend to feel more energized,” she says.

One of the most enjoyable and accessible outdoor activities is walking.

Whalen suggests making things a little more interesting by changing up your walking route on a regular basis, incorporating other activities into your walks such as simples stretches and even changing the time of day you go for a walk.

Yard work is a great way to kill two birds with one proverbial stone: in addition to beautifying your yard, it can also provide a great, low-impact workout.

“Gardening is a fantastic activity. A lot of people don’t think of it as exercise, but some of it can be pretty intense, especially if you’re doing any major landscaping,” says Whalen, adding frequent breaks will help minimize any joint or muscle pain you might feel afterwards.

If you prefer the great indoors, Whalen says there are plenty of activities around the house to choose from that will get you moving such as riding a stationary bike, yoga, tai chi and even dancing.

One of the most important things for anyone 55-plus to consider, should they be looking to be more active, is to set up an action plan tailored to their lifestyle and personal goals, notes Whalen.

Not only does it provide a road map to follow, but it also forces you to be more accountable to yourself.

“Our experience has been that when people put their action plans up on their fridge, they’re really making themselves accountable since it’s highly visible,” she says, adding that any such plan should include activities a person is reasonably likely to perform.

Regardless of what your personal plan may include, Whalen says the most important thing is to find something you enjoy that will get you up and moving.

“One of the messages that I often relay to people is the big thing is just taking that first step: get out of that chair, get off the couch. As you do it, it becomes easier and can become a habit.”

 

 

 

 

 

One of the best – and safest – ways to stay active is to go for an urban pole walk in one of the city’s many pristine parks.

Photo by Darin Kachanoski

 

Gardening is a low-impact and enjoyable way to keep moving.