Senior Fitness With Meredith

Daily activities like carrying groceries from the car to the kitchen and holding hand railings while going up and down stairs have something in common... we use our grip to do these things. Grip strength is easily overlooked when it comes to how it contributes to our overall health. Having a good grip is essential to helping us live a mobile and independent life. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Why we chose to include grip strength as part of an important aspect of maintaining independence as we age. 2). Some of the feedback that Meredith received over the years from training clients and how their grip strength played an important role in their lives. 3). How having good grip strength can help keep you safe from injury by preventing falls. 4). Why a grip strength test should be included in yearly health check ups as we age. 5). Some examples of easy to do grip strength exercises that you can do any time at home or in between workouts. /// We hope the information we've shared in this episode helps you think more about grip strength and why it's so important to helping us live healthy lives. Staying mobile, independent and active as we age is the goal and including some simple and easy grip strengthening exercises during your week can help make a difference when you need it most. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Every life is a story. Thank you for being part of my story.” This quote is a thank you from me to you all, for making each day enjoyable. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Body aches and pains are a common way of life for most people especially as we age. These aches and pains are not necessarily "serious" injuries but more of a side effect from constant wear and tear of the body over time. Shoulders, knees, hips and your back all get heavy use depending on your lifestyle and can slowly start to show signs of aching etc. However, for some of these types of pains, natural regular everyday movement can help ease some of the aching on it's own In This Episode You Will Learn 1). The inspired story behind why we thought to dedicate an episode to addressing common body aches and pains through natural movement. 2). Some of the common causes of regular body aches and pain as we age. 3). Why it's important to make sure what you are feeling is not more serious by going to regular check ups with your doctor or PCP. 4). How regular low impact movement helps lubricate the larger joints in your body which are crucial for helping you staying mobile as you age. 5). Some of Meredith's examples of the kinds of everyday movements you can do to help alleviate common aches and pains. /// We hope the information and tips in this episode are helpful to you if you suffer from constant aching. As mentioned, this type of pain may not always be serious (check with your doctor first) but can still cause us to be less active because of the burden of being in pain. Naturally and safely moving on a regular basis is a great way to minimize these pains which is just another tool to have in your tool box to support a long and healthy life. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” —Helen Keller This quote reminds us to stay optimistic in order to succeed and achieve! MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living a busy and active lifestyle can be a great way to remain healthy both mentally and physically. Proper amounts of work, exercise and social activities all can contribute to a healthy life in the long run. However, this can also make it hard to slow down and find periods of relaxation. Finding was to feel relaxed during a busy schedule is also an important aspect of a balanced life and can help prepare your mind and body for busier times. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Some of the misconceptions that we have as a society about what relaxation is and how this can be misleading. 2). Some of the common things in life that keep us busy and take away from the mindset of also including relaxation in our lives. 3). How mentally slowing down and taking time to focus on your body can directly affect your mental relaxation state. 4). How including relaxing music while you slow down and focus on your breathing etc can help you during relaxation. 5). Why low impact and stretching types of exercises are an important aspect of keeping your body relaxed throughout your full day. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you or someone you know who may be feeling the effects of a busy life with little rest or relaxation. Getting your mindset into a place where you feel comfortable and refreshed can be difficult and not as easy as we may think. Hopefully you are able to navigate your way through a hectic schedule and carve out time for yourself with these tips and will help keep you going for years to come. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.” —Dale Carnegie This quote reminds us that sometimes failures help lead you to success. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are many reasons why people may have stepped away or taken a break from regular exercise. Injuries can occur, unexpected illness or just life in general can throw us some curve balls that interfere with our lives. This is entirely OK and normal. You can't control what will happen in life but you can control how to get back into exercising when you are ready and it may not always be very easy, especially if you've been away for a long time. Luckily there are a few things you can keep in mind when it's time to help keep you safe and motivated. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Some of the most common reasons why we take time off from regular exercise and how longer periods can make it more challenging when you are ready to start again. 2). Meredith shares many of the comments, feedback and stories that we receive from subscribers and listeners and some of their struggles with getting back into exercise. 3). Why starting off with basic stretching is important when you've been away and how this can help make the transition easier on your body. 4). How starting off with Low Impact Cardio Style exercises are great way to get your mind and body adjusted to exercising again. 5). Why it's so important to not get discouraged when getting back to exercise and feeling like you aren't at where you used to be. It takes time and patience and you will succeed. /// We hope these tips are helpful to you or someone you know who may be ready to get back into exercising after an extended time away. It may be easy to think that we can jump right back in where we left off but you will risk injury and other side effects if not done in the safest manner. With a little patience and practice, you'll be feeling right at ease again with exercising and back on your way to a long and healthier life. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“It is only when we take chances that our lives improve. The initial and the most difficult risk we need to take is to become honest.” —Walter Anderson This quote reminds us to be honest with ourselves, and take chances that are best for us. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we age, it may be easy to assume that our memory will be affected and there is nothing we can do about it. This may be true for some cases but in reality, our memory and cognitive sharpness is just like any other muscle in our bodies. The attention we pay to "exercising" our minds is just as important as staying in good physical health. The same habits that we use to stay physically independent can also be applied to our cognitive functioning including our memory. In This Episode You Will Learn: 1). Some of the things that cause us to think that we are losing our memory and cognitive thought as we get older. 2). Why in most cases, feelings of losing your memory shouldn't cause for concern in older adults. 3). How the study of aging and memory has grown over the past generations especially as a larger part of the population is aging well into their 70's 80's and even 90's. 4). How limiting distractions either by minimizing tasks or commitments can help "de-clutter" your mind and provide clarity for thought etc. 5). Why putting emphasis on a healthier diet is important to cognitive function and how it can help with memory and thought during the day. /// We hope the tips we've shared in this episode are helpful to you or someone you know who may be feeling like memory loss is becoming an issue. Taking the necessary steps to practice and exercise our memory function is something that can be done by all ages and should be included in normal self care practices. Keeping our bodies AND minds in shape is the name of the game to a longer, more independent, healthier life. Team MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” — Henry David Thoreau This quote is a reminder to you all how grateful I am for you! I thank you each day for helping make me who I am today. MeredithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.