Virtual Fitness: How To Do Medicine Ball Obliques

Medicine Ball Obliques

Strengthens oblique abdominal muscles. Improves core stabilization.
Instructions: Move side-to-side while holding the medicine ball. If the medicine ball is too heavy you won’t be able to do this exercise properly without lifting your shoulders, creating excess tension in that area.
Modifications: Perform the exercise without the medicine ball. Cross your arms on your chest and practise moving side-to-side. As you gain strength, add a light weight medicine ball.

EXERCISE DOs and DONTs – As with all exercise programs, when using exercise videos that appear on this site, you need to use common sense. If your muscles are weak, either do the modifications, or don’t attempt this exercise if it’s too difficult for you. When starting an exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider

Virtual Fitness: How To Do Dumbbell Boxing Abdominal Curl

Dumbbell Boxing Abdominal Curl

Benefits of the Dumbbell Abdominal Boxing Curl : This exercise, when done correctly, activates the core, strengthens the chest (pectorals), front shoulders (front deltoid), arms (biceps), and the abdominal muscles. The biceps are also activated as he curls up from the mat with his elbows bending, assisting the abdominals during the movement.
Technique: The model in this video is moving very quickly throughout the movement. However, the slower you move, the harder it is. In addition to that, you can add heavier handweights. Keeping both feet flat, instead of lifting up onto the heels, increases the workload.
EXERCISE DOs and DONTs – As with all exercise programs, when using exercise videos that appear on this site, you need to use common sense. If your muscles are weak, either do the modifications, or don’t attempt this exercise if it’s too difficult for you. When starting an exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider

Equipment of the Month: Smart Stick

Smart Stick

EQUIPMENT OF THE MONTH: Smart Stick

CATEGORY: Flexibility, balance, core and strength training.

PORTABILITY: Unweighted or 5 lbs. 60 inches long. Price range is around $20.00 and up. Add this fun piece of equipment to your home gym. Stores easily in a closet.

TYPE OF WORKOUT: Multi-directional. Develops shoulders, core, thighs, legs. To add challenge, use it in combination with a fitball, on balance cushions, or a slider.

BENEFITS: Improve balance and range of motion. Develops flexibility in golfers, kayakers, racquet sports, paddlers and more. Lightweight and portable.

HOW TO USE IT: Click the link to Prism Fitness for Smart Stick video demonstrations. Available for purchase on their website.


National Fall Prevention Awareness – September 2021

FALL-RELATED INJURIES SEND A SENIOR TO THE HOSPITAL EVERY 11 SECONDS

After losing his balance, an elderly man falls down a staircase.

National Fall Prevention week is held on the first day of fall every year since 2008.  The yearly celebration is sponsored by the National Council on Aging – NCOA. 

While falls are not a normal part of aging, they are on the rise, sending someone over 65 to the emergency room, every 11 seconds

Falling is the number one cause of injuries, and deaths from injury, in older Americans, according to the Centers For Disease Control.

Strengthening the core is a number one exercise priority for older adults.  Core strength improves balance, quality of life, and the ability to remain independent.

Visit the National Council On Aging website.for more information about National Fall Prevention Awareness.

Click the links to read my blog posts about core strength and aging.

Why Older Adults Need Core Strength

Falling Down An Escalator Isn’t Funny


Virtual Fitness: How To Do Two-Arm-Reach Abdominal Curl

Two Arm Reach Abdominal Curl

Instructions: The Abdominal Curl Two Arm Reach is a strength training exercise that targets the abdominal and chest muscles. Lie on your back. Bring your chin toward your chest. Slowly curl up by rounding your back. Bring your arms up and in front of you, as shown in the video. Roll back down onto your mat. Perform 3 sets of 8 to 10 repetitions. Reduce the number of sets and repetitions according to ability.
Modifications: 1) Cross your arms on your chest. 2) Lower your body halfway down, and then come back up.
EXERCISE DOs and DONTs: As with all exercise programs, when using exercise videos that appear on this site, you need to use common sense. If your abdominal muscles are weak, either do the modifications, or don’t attempt this exercise if it’s too difficult for you. When starting an exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider.

Virtual Fitness: How To Do Walking Dumbbell Lunge

Walking Dumbbell Lunge


Instructions: Alternate stepping forward with right and then left foot. Hold and stabilize between steps. As strength increases, add more weight to increase challenge.
Modifications: 1) Take smaller steps forward and bring both feet together after each step. 2) Place hands on hips instead of holding weights. 3) Hold onto a wall with one hand, with opposite hand on your hip or at your side.
Moving Lunge Benefits: Strengthens thighs, legs and core. Improves balance.
Cautions: Slow your tempo to suit your ability. The goal is to maintain a steady pace without losing balance.
EXERCISE DOs and DONTs – As with all exercise programs, when using exercise videos that appear on this site, you need to use common sense. If your muscles are weak, either do the modifications, or don’t attempt this exercise if it’s too difficult for you. When starting an exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider