Happy Fall to you Fit and Fabulous Floridians! This month we are going to get up and get moving on learning about that important thing called mobility. In our beautiful state, we are lucky to enjoy being active and outdoors. Many of us play pickleball, run around chasing grandkids, play with our children, walk our fur babies and go on adventures. We need to move to keep up with the demands of life.
Mobility is the ability to move freely. Free from pain, restriction free, and with ease. Mobility impacts our body in many ways from walking, bending, reaching and twisting to climbing stairs and getting up from sitting down. When our mobility is compromised, it can cause many health issues such as physical pain, and even down to mental and emotional stress.
Our bodies are connected by bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. When any of these connectors are not functioning at a healthy capacity, you are at risk of pain and injury. Doing physical activity every day strengthens muscles and keeps your joints lubricated. It can also help with balance and flexibility and improve cognitive function. As we age, being able to move and do things we enjoy builds confidence and allows us to maintain our independence. Physical activity can be anything from walking and playing a sport to joining an exercise class or dancing. The opportunities to move are endless.
It’s never too early or too late to start making mobility a priority. On top of being physically active and the many benefits coming from that, there are also some other things that I would recommend for us to be able to enjoy life to the fullest and stay mobile:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can put strain on your joints. Losing weight quickly or gaining weight quickly can also cause musculoskeletal issues. Stick with a “slow and steady” plan that allows time for your body to adjust for weight fluctuations.
- Fuel your body properly: Feeding your body whole foods that are nutritious such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats will allow proper nutrient absorption to keep muscles growing, joints lubricated, and a happy gut. Avoid processed foods and sugar.
- Mobility Specific Training: Focusing on joint specific mobility exercises and strength training that support these areas can significantly improve mobility and decrease pain in localized areas of the body affected by joint stiffness or hypermobility. If you are looking for guidance on mobility training you can check out Physical Therapy or a Personal Trainer who is experienced with mobility training. Contact your health care provider if you need assistance.
Prioritizing mobility through movement, exercise and activity will aid in building confidence, ensuring independence and boost your mood. Being able to move with minimal pain and do the things we enjoy throughout life is important for our physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Let’s get out there and get moving!
CAT Burke is the owner of GETCATFIT Marco Island Fitness Bootcamp, Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching. She has over 30 years’ experience as a fitness professional, holds a BS in Kinesiology, is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. CAT is also active in the natural bodybuilding industry as a professional athlete and judge. CAT may be reached at info@getcatfit.com. Website: www.getcatfit.com
