By Laurie Whittier
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
When the ball dropped in Times Square, older Americans everywhere resolved to exercise more. To give a Wind Crest “leg up,” Wellness Coordinator Kristy Hebert recently gave a free motivational talk—arming residents with the tools they need for success.
Wind Crest’s January “Smoothie Talk”—the first in a series of wellness seminars complete with free smoothies, stride-counting pedometers, and health literature—was a blend of information, tips, and humor. Hebert, who has years of experience with geriatric fitness and rehab, drove home the importance of staying in shape from a whole-body perspective.
The sweet side of sweat
“Exercise strengthens not just the muscles, but all of the systems that make our bodies work—from the heart and nervous system to the circulatory system, and everything in between,” Hebert explained.
Working out may seem like hard work, she said, but it’s much easier than recovering from something like coronary bypass surgery to correct years of poor health habits. And although genetics does play a role in a person’s health picture, exercise can lower the risk of disease. Brisk walking, she said, is a good start.
Beyond statistics, Hebert revealed a number of lesserknown fitness facts:
• Exercising for several short bouts throughout the day is as effective as exercising all at once
• Muscles will rebuild at any age with exercise
• Bones require resistance-based exercise to rebuild
• Tight ankles and hips along with other joints can affect balance and lead to joint pain
• Exercise boosts immunity by promoting healthy circulation, which maintains antibodies and filters away toxins
• Brain activity has been shown to increase after just weeks of moderate exercise