Category: Exercise

Inspiring Stories of Active Aging 2024 in Santa Barbara

September 12, 2024

I found this newsworthy and inspiring human-interest story in the August 2024 issue of the Santa Barbara Independent . It’s a short read filled with practical information of concern to everyone over 50.

A succinct introduction to the article by the author…..

“The people and services highlighted in the following pages are reminders that seniors aren’t outliers but part of our core community, just as deserving of attention and appreciation as the younger whipper-snappers out there. And more often than not, they have better stories to tell.”

Read the full article Active Aging 2024 Edition – Inspiration and Services For Santa Barbara Seniors

Top Heart Rate Monitors to Buy in 2024

September 11, 2024

Fitness enthusiasts who are looking for guidance and want to learn how to make an informed decision about buying a heart rate monitor, read the expertly written article in MedicalNewsToday, Best Heart Rate Monitoring Watches in 2024.

A heart rate monitor is a wearable device that measures your heart rate during exercise. Your heart rate is also known as your pulse rate.

Monitoring your heart rate during exercise helps you stay in a safe heart rate training zone. If you have a heart or cardiovascular condition, monitoring your target heart rate is crucial for safe and effective exercise.

Ready to buy a heart rate monitor? Click the link below to find out which one might be best for you.

Best Heart Rate Monitoring Watches in 2024 – MedicalNewsToday.com 9/9/24

The Link Between Flexibility and Longevity

August 27, 2024

One of the four components to a rounded exercise program is stretching. The Exercise Medicine Clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, performed a study to learn if and how flexibility affected longevity.

Researchers tested 3,000 participants over a 28 year period with a follow-up of 12.9 years. They found that people with higher ranges in flexibility tended to live longer than those with lower flexibility ranges.

Read the full 8/26/24 article in Medical News Today

The Link Between Cardiovascular Health and Hearing

August 13, 2024

There are studies that have shown that a healthy cardiovascular system (heart, arteries, and veins),has a positive effect on hearing.

Cardiovascular exercise is one of the components to a well-rounded fitness program. Activities such as hiking, using a stair climber, power walking, dancing, hoola-hooping are few examples of heart healthy forms of exercise.

When your heart is healthy it provides oxygen rich blood throughout your body. Good circulation plays a role in maintaining good hearing health.

Learn more about the connection between hearing loss and heart disease at HealthyHearing.com

Menopause and Pelvic Floor Health: The Role of Kegel Exercises

August 8, 2024

Unless you’re doing Kegels or Pilates, chances are you may be neglecting to exercise the pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor and are prescribed by ob-gyns to prevent urinary incontinence during pregnancy and beyond.

Developing a strong pelvic floor is also important for menopausal women. As estrogen and progesterone levels decrease during menopause, the pelvic floor muscles may become weaker and less elastic, leading to the possibility of urinary incontinence.

“Menopause can introduce lots of changes to your body, but one of the most challenging is the weakening of your pelvic floor: the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the organs in your pelvis. When the pelvic floor weakens, it can cause symptoms ranging from incontinence or prolapse to intimacy problems and more.”

Read the full article from EverydayHealth.com.

Strength Training’s Role in Reducing Aging Anxiety

August 7, 2024

Research based on a recent survey published by Physical Activity and Health revealed how adults 40 and over develop aging anxiety as they grow older.

 “Evidence found that possessing an enjoyable attitude towards exercise was associated with less fear of social interactions, fewer psychological concerns, as well as a lower total score of ageing anxiety.

The study also found that strength training, in particular, helped older adults conserve bone mass and muscle, reduce the risk of dementia and retain motor control.”

Read the full article from MensHealth.com January 8, 2024