Charting New Territories

So you are part of “the living longer generation.” Congratulations! My question is, “Are you living better?” You know, better than yesterday. Do you have energy? Do aches and pains stop you from accomplishing your goals? Applying the basic principles of physical health (that you have known since your youth) will help your mature body to maximize its physical abilities.

Recall the physical activities that you enjoyed as a youth. How did you gain endurance and maximize your physical abilities? Of course, by practice that involved pushing your body to its capacities. Your body’s response? New, higher capacities. Well there is good news, you can still increase body capacities. Are you surprised? Don’t be, and don’t limit yourself based on an old mind-set of ‘age.’ Remember, we are traveling where few have gone before, and our physical bodies are taking us there.

The old mind-set tells us that weakness due to deterioration, lack of energy, and painful or stiff movement are an inevitable part of aging. This does not have to be the case, and more and more people are proving it every day. Seniors can actually regain strength, vitality, balance, coordination and avoid falls with exercise.

The truth is that the body was built to move, and using the body appropriately will not wear it out. To the contrary, the body wears out from lack of use. If you give up stretching, reaching, stooping, walking and navigating stairs regularly, you will loose the ability to perform these tasks.

You may say, “regain strength and flexibility, improve balance and avoid falling? Is this really possible at my age?” The answer is YES! Just ask any of the over 150 people who have attended the Senior Health Body Recall classes at Bon Secours facilities. Body Recall is one of the few forms of exercise that focuses on improving specific functions used in your everyday life.

Recall the purpose behind your exercise as a youth. It was designed with a specific result in mind. When you trained for dance, you didn’t focus on maintaining your balance in the mud. When you trained as a football player you didn’t focus on spinning dismounts from iron rings. You get the idea. Body Recall is focused training that you can apply to your specific needs. While Body Recall isn’t exclusive to seniors, here is what our seniors are saying:

“My joints have improved tremendously, I have less pain. My blood pressure dropped. I feel great.” - age 56

“I already walked 2 miles, 5 days a week. The class has added to my circulation and stamina and is helpful to my heart (I am an angioplasty patient). The deep breathing is a big help too. - age 65

“Body Recall taught me how to get up from the floor. With the arthritis in my knees I was always afraid to get on the floor. Now I do it all the time. I feel flexible.” - age 74

“I can move my feet better, thank goodness my balance has improved!” - age 76

“I have more usage and strength in my left leg. I have gained two friends.” - age 83

So what is Body Recall anyway? Body Recall combines exercise (gentle movements that build strength) with education. Classes are designed to reclaim the strength and movement that help make living pleasurable.

At Body Recall we say “no brain, no gain!” Participants are educated in the art of moving wisely. Learn how to relieve aches and stiffness through proper exercise. The movements are safe, tested and possible for everyone.

Body Recall is motivational and fun. The participants become fast friends and encourage each other to continue exercising. Class topics include; falls and recovery, walking techniques, joint mobility, circulation improvement, bone strength and much more.