Physical activity at any age is important, but as you get older, it becomes an essential part of a long, rewarding life. Here are a few reasons why incorporating diet and exercise into your day-to-day plans can add years to your lifespan.

By the numbers

Canada’s older adult population is growing. It’s projected that by 2061, we’ll have over 12 million people aged 65+. 

Yet even though this group bracket is increasing, activity levels are not. In fact, according to a Statistics Canada report, only 20 per cent of seniors get the recommended amount of physical activity each week. 

If you’re an older adult, you should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. That doesn’t mean running a marathon or competing in a weightlifting competition. Anything that gets your heart beating faster and makes your muscles work harder is a good starting place.

A whole body workout

According to the National Institute on Aging, exercise helps you in a variety of ways that go beyond just a healthy body. Staying active can reduce your risk of dementia by increasing oxygen flow to your brain, lower your risk of osteoporosis by improving bone density and make you a happier person by releasing endorphins into your body. 

Other benefits include: 

• Lowering stress and anxiety levels
• Improving your sleep
• Reducing the risk of serious disease
• Increasing cognitive functions 

While there are countless benefits to increasing your activity levels, you should also watch for warning signs that you may be overdoing it. Dramatic weight fluctuations, ongoing muscle stiffness and prolonged weakness or dizziness are things you shouldn’t ignore. If you happen to notice changes in your body that are out of the norm, it’s best to consult a medical professional for advice.

A weight off your shoulders

According to Harvard Medical School, adults put on three to four pounds per year after they turn 40. But due to the aging process, they lose one to two per cent of muscle at the same time. That means the extra weight you gain ends up being mostly fat. This can contribute to higher cholesterol levels and increases your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. By focusing on positive eating habits and incorporating strength training into your health routine, you can help to minimize those risks.

If you’re looking to take your workout to the next level, you could follow Ernestine Shepherd’s path. She started her fitness journey at 56 without any previous gym experience. Now, she holds a title in the Guinness World Records at 80 as the oldest competitive female bodybuilder in the world!

You may not want to go to the same lengths, but two days a week of light aerobic activity can help control your weight and keep your muscles strong.

Never too late to start & stay active

Even if regular physical activity hasn’t been part of your daily routine, it’s never too late to change old habits and adopt new ones. The lifestyle choices you make, whenever you start, will have positive effects on your body. Things like eating a balanced diet, reducing alcohol consumption or getting a good night’s sleep contribute to healthy ageing. 

In a study from Sweden, a group of 50-year-old males were tracked over the course of 35 years. Subjects were asked to submit detailed information about their health habits every year. Researchers found that those who increased their activity levels, even into their 70s, extended their lifespans and their quality of life.

Taking a step in the right direction

The YMCA of Greater Toronto has been offering health and wellness classes for decades, but with the shift to digital programs with the COVID-19 pandemic, now you can stay active from the comfort of your home. So, whether you’re looking to line dance, lift weights or learn yoga, there’s an activity waiting for you to explore at The Bright Spot. Visit our activities page to learn more.

In the northern hemisphere, spring’s arrival brings more active, outdoor time! But staying active and connected can be challenging during a global pandemic. Feelings of isolation and loneliness are on the rise. While these factors permeate every area of your life, they are also a particularly potent influence on your health, your relationship to your body and perhaps a changing attitude toward fitness.

What’s missing?

If you were a gym-goer, you might be missing the camaraderie that comes with seeing your fellow community members in the conditioning room, or maybe the friendships you built in group fitness classes kept you coming back for more. Perhaps it was the motivational instructor cheering you on as you push through that last set of burpees that helped you exceed your expectations. It may certainly feel like you are now left to your own devices. And for social creatures like us, all this can be demotivating.

The Bright Spot can help you stay active and motivated

To start, get up and get moving today! You’ll get immediate gratification in the form of endorphins. These feel-good chemicals will prime your mind for another day of working out. The buzz you get after a good workout is a miraculous mood-booster and a wonderful way to get back on the fitness wagon. Think of it as a reward. You really don’t need to overthink it. In fact, start as soon as you’re done reading this blog by visiting the activities page on the Bright Spot.

Make a longterm plan

And of course, it’s no secret that regular and continuous exercise has a positive effect on your overall mental health, so make it a priority and stick with it in the long run. Studies say that regular exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, and after the year we have all had, nurturing our mental health is certainly a welcome salve!

One way to ensure you reap all these benefits is to make a fitness plan. Get your calendar and schedule your workouts for the next six weeks. The standard recommendation for most adults is 150 minutes of moderate to high-intensity activity per week. Consider splitting the week up into five 30-minute workout sessions, or two-hour-long classes and a 30-minute outdoor walk or jog.

Mindful reflection gives your new routine even more staying power

After your six weeks are up, take some time to reflect by journaling about your experience.

Grab a pen and paper and start writing down answers to these questions:

1. How are you feeling compared to when you started?

2. Are you seeing any changes in your mood?

3. Do you see any changes in your body?

4. Do you feel stronger in your day-to-day activities?

5. If so, how and when does your newfound strength show up in your regular life?

Many people report feeling more emotional resilience and physical endurance. Your hard work starts to permeate your life and taking a moment to mindfully reflect on all of this is yet another motivator that will keep you coming back for more.

Keep evolving

After the first six weeks are up, it’s the perfect time to assess if your routine needs a change. Maybe you can increase your fitness frequency or try new styles of exercise to keep your mind and body evolving. In other words, take it to the next level!

Other health conditions can improve with exercise, too

Some types of exercises can even help with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and even chronic pain. By finding new ways to move and stay motivated, you can take charge of your overall health. Focusing on something you can control – like your fitness sessions – can also bring about feelings of empowerment which can feel grounding during times of uncertainty.

We are looking ahead to a brighter future when we can be together in person again. Until then, we know that a variety of online classes, inspiring instructors and connections to others will help you meet and exceed your fitness goals, plus we promise you’ll have a lot of fun! And that’s the best way to ensure long-term commitment and success.

At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, we respect and admire the expert advice provided by our partner health charities. That’s why we’re excited to bring you even more great reading material from the team at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (Heart and Stroke).

To maintain heart health, a little physical activity goes a long way. Regular physical activity is a great way to keep your heart healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle. But if you’re not active now, don’t worry. You don’t have to suddenly embark on an Olympic-training program. The Bright Spot is the perfect place to start your journey, and the options are almost endless!

Heart and Stroke’s recommendations

Heart and Stroke recommends adults should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. The activity doesn’t have to be non-stop, such as an aerobics class. You can do 10 minutes or more at a time throughout the day to reach your daily total. For example, take a brisk 10-minute walk mid-day, play for 10 minutes with your grandkids (if you are able to see them safely during COVID-19 restrictions), and then spend some time participating in one of our many Bright Spot activities like Yoga, BodyFit or Tai Chi!

If you’re short on time, remember that any physical activity is better than none. However, the more active you are, the greater the health benefits. The bonus: physical activity will give you more energy and help you cope better with stress and low mood.

Older adults should add muscle and bone-strengthening activities using major muscle groups at least two days per week to enhance balance and prevent falls. The Bright Spot is now offering a brand new class that will help you learn how to do just that. Try our Weights For Bone Health class every Friday at 9:00 am.

Just as a variety of foods is important for healthy eating, a variety of activities is important for healthy living. Choose physical activities that require endurance, strength and flexibility.

Endurance activities are continuous activities such as walking, cycling and tennis. They’re especially beneficial for your heart, lungs and circulatory system.

Strength activities, such as carrying groceries, heavy yard work or snow shovelling and weight training can help to strengthen muscles and bones and improve posture. Aim for at least two times a week.

Flexibility activities like yoga, tai chi, and even housework will keep your muscles relaxed and your joints mobile. Increased flexibility later in life will allow you to continue to tie your shoes, reach the top shelf in your kitchen and clip your toenails. Try our Functional Movement class for specialized instruction.

Balance activities you can do at home include standing on one foot or standing on your toes while holding onto the back of a chair. As you progress, steady yourself with one finger, then try it with no hands. When you are really steady, try the exercise with your eyes closed. Any exercise that strengthens your lower body is also a great addition.

Be sure to vary your activity from light, moderate and vigorous effort. And remember that it’s never too late to strengthen your body! Studies have found that weight training can reverse muscle weakness even among people in their 90s.

NOTE: Before starting a physical activity program, speak to your healthcare provider first to discuss what is right for you.

Here at The YMCA of Greater Toronto, we respect and admire the expert advice provided by our partners at The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. That’s why we’re excited to bring you even more great reading material written by the team at this other health-focused charity! In this next piece, we find out how to do a personal assessment of our weight and waistline. It turns out it’s not just about the number on the scale.

Did you know that 60% of Canadian adults are overweight or obese? Obese Canadians are four times more likely to have diabetes, more than three times as likely to have high blood pressure and more than two times more likely to have heart disease than those with a healthy weight.

For those Canadians, a modest weight reduction of as little as 5% of body weight can reduce high blood pressure and total blood cholesterol. However, simply knowing your weight is not enough to know your health risk. Did you know that you can have a healthy weight, but still be at increased risk? How our bodies store excess weight (specifically fat) can negatively impact our health.

Today, there are two methods of self-assessment that can give you a clearer picture of how your weight may be affecting your health – measuring your waistline and calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI).

Healthy waists

Measuring waist circumference can help to assess obesity-related health risk. Even at a healthy weight, excess fat carried around the waist can increase your risk of high blood pressure, high [blood] cholesterol, heart disease and type-2 diabetes. The best way to find out if your waistline is increasing your risk of heart disease is to measure it.

Your natural body shape is an important consideration

Where you carry your weight is just as important as how much weight you carry when it comes to your health. If you’re at risk for overweight-related diseases such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, type-2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke it’s important to follow these steps to assess your waistline size with a measuring tape.

1. Clear your abdominal area of any clothing, belts or accessories. Stand upright facing a mirror with your feet shoulder-width apart and your stomach relaxed. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist.

2. Use the borders of your hands and index fingers – not your fingertips – to find the uppermost edge of your hipbones by pressing upwards and inwards along your hip bones.

Tip: Many people mistake an easily felt part of the hipbone located toward the front of their body as the top of their hips. This part of the bone is in fact not the top of the hip bones, but by following this spot upward and back toward the sides of your body, you should be able to locate the true top of your hipbones.

3. Using the mirror, align the bottom edge of the measuring tape with the top of the hip bones on both sides of your body.

Tip: Once located, it may help to mark the top of your hipbones with a pen or felt-tip marker in order to aid you in correctly placing the tape.

4. Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor and is not twisted.

5.Relax and take two normal breaths. After the second breath out, tighten the tape around your waist. The tape should fit comfortably snug around the waist without depressing the skin.

Tip: Remember to keep your stomach relaxed at this point.

6. Still breathing normally, take the reading on the tape.

Are you at risk?

Male*: more than 94 cm (37 inches) is increased risk; more than 102 cm (40 inches) is substantially increased risk.

Female*: more than 80 cm (31.5 inches) is increased risk; more than 88 cm (35 inches) is substantially increased risk.

*Other risk factors such as ethnicity, individual risk factors, pregnancy, medical history and family history can affect your risk, regardless of your waist circumference.

Having a waistline that is below the cut-off does not mean you are completely free of risk. Your individual risk can be influenced by your health, medical history and family history, so the universal cut-points can be misleading. If you have other risk factors, like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you might need to lower your waist circumference to minimize your risk. Reducing your waist circumference by 4 cm can have massive benefits to your risk profile and reduce your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Healthy Weight

Measuring your waistline alone won’t give you all the information you need about your weight. Knowing your waist circumference and your Body Mass Index (BMI) will help you have a good conversation with your healthcare provider about how your body is changing as you age.

The BMI is a ratio of your height and weight. It applies to people between the ages of 18 through 65, except if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or very muscular.

• Calculate your BMI yourself. Divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres.
• Or, using pounds and inches, multiply your weight by 703, divide by your height, then divide by your height again.

If your BMI is

– between 18.5 and 24.9, you’re at lowest risk of developing health problems.
– between 25 and 29.9, you’re considered overweight.
– 30 or more, you’re considered obese.

Tracking your Healthy Waist and Healthy Weight

A single measurement of waist circumference or BMI doesn’t tell us everything we need to know about our obesity-related health issues. Tracking your waist circumference with body weight (BMI) over time is an excellent way for you and your healthcare provider to understand how your body is changing as you age and to monitor your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Achieving a healthy weight isn’t always as simple as eating healthy and being active, but it is a great beginning. Speak to your doctor about different lifestyle options to help you maintain or achieve a healthy waistline and weight that is right for you.

Managing your weight doesn’t have to mean altering your life dramatically. Take small steps, like exercising regularly and eating healthy food.

The hardest thing about getting healthy is getting started, especially after several months of a COVID-19 induced break from the gym.

Whether you’re reading this at your desk, from your couch, on the bus, or anywhere else, here are three things you can do literally right now, this very moment, to get yourself on the path towards a healthier, happier lifestyle:

1. Stretch out

Sitting at a desk — or sitting anywhere, really — is one of the worst things you can do to your body. Those of us with jobs that require us to sit for most of the day need to make an effort to counteract the negative effects. Right now, follow along with YMCA Health Educator Jessica as she takes you through an easy, four-minute-long stretch break designed to be done while sitting. Then, set an alarm to go off in one hour, and do another one.

2. Schedule a workout

You might not be able to hit the gym right this second, but you can definitely get moving with the help of a variety of online fitness classes tailored specifically with you in mind. Browse The Bright Spot’s Activities page to select from a variety of classes like Yoga Gentle, BodyFit Chair, Functional Movement and so many more. And if you’re looking to book your time in the weight room, the Sweat For Good app can help you plan your week ahead. Putting a workout into your calendar will help make you feel committed to actually doing it when the time comes.

3. Hide your treats
   

Research suggests you’re less tempted by snacks you can’t see. One study found that front-desk administrators who kept candy in clear containers snacked on it 71% more often than those with the same candy in opaque containers. Stuff your sugary sweets in your desk drawer, the back of your kitchen cupboards, or — if you’re feeling really ambitious — throw them out altogether and replace them with healthier alternatives.

Getting healthy is a long-term decision that requires lifestyle changes, not quick fixes. But that doesn’t mean healthy living is out of reach. In fact, people who take it one small step at a time are most likely to build sustainable habits that they stick to in the long run; those who try to do everything at once are more likely to get discouraged and give up. Trying any one of these three easy strategies today can put you on the right track for life.

Morning-after aches can be a good thing — they’re often proof you got a good workout the day before. Still, they can be pretty uncomfortable, especially if you tried a brand-new exercise for the first time, or upped your reps. Here are four ways to alleviate that day-after soreness, so you can feel ready for one of our online classes again tomorrow:

1. Take a warm bath with Epsom salts
You can pick up a box of these inexpensive tension alleviators at your local pharmacy or supermarket. Add 1–2 cups to your evening bath while the water is still running, then soak the achy joint in question (or your whole body) for at least 15 minutes. The warm water will improve blood flow to your sore spots, helping loosen them up. This is our favourite option because it’s pain-free and ultra-relaxing.

2. Try a self-massage and grab some tools for hard-to-reach areas like your back
Just like a warm bath, a light massage will facilitate circulation throughout your body. That means more oxygen and nutrients are coming to the aid of your sore muscles, helping to repair them. Self-massage can be especially effective since you know exactly where you’re aching. Start gentle and gradually begin rubbing your muscles more deeply as they relax. Try adding a tennis ball into the mix for hard-to-reach spots. If your back is feeling sore, place the tennis ball on the muscle you’d like to target and lean against a wall with the ball placed between you and the wall. Find the sore spot with the ball and pause there, applying gentle pressure as you breathe and allow a release to happen. Be careful not to roll the ball over any bony areas or joints; that means you should avoid your spine completely.

3. Walk it off
Take a slow, gentle walk around the block. This isn’t your cardio time, so don’t make it a power walk that could tighten you up even more. Instead, stroll slowly while you focus on your breathing to enhance your circulation and help your muscles get the oxygen they need to recover. You can also pair up with a neighbor or friend for a physical distance walk; some light conversation guarantees that you’ll keep breathing, and will distract you from your aches.

4. Apply heat (not ice!)
In case you haven’t noticed, warm baths, massages, and long walks all have one thing in common: they promote blood flow through your aching muscles, helping them to repair themselves after the tough workout that broke them down. Ice, on the other hand, merely numbs your pain while actually hindering that healing Namely, ice constricts your blood vessels, preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to achy muscles, and can actually make you more stiff. Try using a heating pad instead.

One important note: if your soreness lasts longer than a few days, consult your doc, physiotherapist, or personal trainer to confirm you haven’t injured yourself. Muscle soreness is a completely normal part of working out and getting stronger, but injuries are not. You can tell if something more serious is going on if you’re feeling sharper, intense pain, and if it gets worse instead of better over the next several days. Healthy and normal soreness will also be muscular, whereas an injury might involve joint pain.

Remember, it’s okay to take a day off — in fact, if you strength train every day, you’ll actually stunt your own progress. Instead, use your days in between workouts to try a bath, massage, or walk that will leave your muscles feeling repaired and ready to go when it’s time for your next session.

Here at The YMCA of Greater Toronto, we respect and admire the expert advice provided by our partners at The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. That’s why we’re excited to bring you even more great reading material written by their team! In this next piece, Heart and Stroke experts outline important considerations for anyone who has had a stroke and is thinking about at-home exercise.

Exercise is a good way to maintain your health through recovery, rehabilitation, and the rest of your life. It helps keep you fit and healthy — physically and mentally — to reduce the chance of another stroke and to improve your quality of life. During coronavirus self-isolation, there are also plenty of ways for you to get active from home.

But stroke is a complex condition that can impact your ability to exercise safely. People living with stroke have different needs. Some want to pursue a more traditional rehab program under the supervision of trained physiotherapists, but barriers like insurance coverage or transportation may keep them from doing so. Others prefer programs in their community or at home.

The good news is that more fitness providers are being trained to deliver exercise programs that are suitable for people recovering from a stroke. Other programs are being developed and evaluated to enable stroke survivors to exercise independently, at home or in community groups. Be sure to talk to your healthcare providers about programs in your community and get their guidance around the best options for your unique needs. Here are some of the basics to consider as you make your recovery plan.

Keys to success with exercise after stroke

1. Talk to your stroke team about whether or not you are ready to exercise before starting any program.
Why? Only your stroke team knows if it is safe for you to participate in an exercise program.

2. Work with a stroke physiotherapist and other team members to choose the right program for you.
Why? Assessing your personal goals, medical condition, and ability means that you will be matched to a program that is safe and effective for you.

3. Be re-assessed periodically by your fitness provider.
Why? Regular assessments will ensure that you are doing your exercises properly — for both safety and effectiveness. An expert can also guide you in adjusting the level of challenge to help you progress toward your goals.

4. Exercise is hard work, but keep at it, and progress will come.
Why? Many tasks are repetitive — even boring at times — and take a lot of effort, but there is lots of research to show that exercise benefits people who have had a stroke.

5. Exercise with others.
Why? Research shows that exercising with others keeps it more interesting and helps your motivation.

6. Stay motivated. What works best to keep you motivated? Do you have a favourite type of exercise? Do you like to listen to music while you work out? Try setting weekly goals and reward yourself when you reach them!
Why? Knowing what motivates you to exercise will help you keep at it for the long-term.

7. Stop the exercise if things start to feel wrong in your body or you have difficulty breathing. If you don’t feel better after a few minutes, stop and check in with your doctor or stroke team member as soon as possible.
Why? Exercise shouldn’t make you feel unwell.

8. Talk to your physiotherapist about hip protectors. If you do fall, check in with your doctor or stroke team member.
Why? Stroke can cause poor balance and you may have osteoporosis. Both are risks for hip fracture.

9. If your exercises are painful, stop! Work with a physiotherapist or a trained fitness provider to modify the exercise so that you are in a pain-free range.
Why? Only do exercises that are within your abilities. The benefits of exercise outweigh the risk of injury as long as they are done safely.

Finding a program that’s right for you

Now that you know some of the ground rules, what kind of exercise should you be doing?

Broadly, there are four main types of exercise. Talk with your healthcare team to find out which combination is right for you.

1. Endurance (aerobic)
Improves your heart and lung fitness, reduces fatigue, and increases your energy to be active throughout your day.

2. Strength
Increases your muscle strength so it is easier to do everyday things like climb stairs, get up from a chair, and carry groceries.

3. Balance
Makes it easier to move about in your home and in the community, and reduces your risk of falls.

4. Stretching
Keeps your muscles relaxed and your joints mobile so that you can get dressed and reach for objects more easily.

We know it’s harder than usual right now to explore community-based exercise programs or to work directly with a physiotherapist. Virtual exercise classes that you can do from home are often a good alternative. As you discuss your options with your team, consider the many fitness options our YMCA provides free of charge every day right here on The Bright Spot.

Thanks to our partners at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada for their expert advice. Look out for more relevant information on our site, or visit theirs for more details.

As the physical distancing days continue, and we have all but settled into our new normal, it may start to feel like that initial jolt of adrenaline-induced productivity and positivity is starting to wane. Remember when everyone was making homemade bread, and learning how to grow their own food? Plus, the countless DYI home projects that many of us embarked on? Well, those days are now behind us and some people are reporting a lack of productivity and feelings of complacency. Not to worry, we have a team of pros who are used to inspiring their clients to get back on track and tackle even the loftiest of goals. Sherry Perez, Manager of Program Development for the YMCA of Greater Toronto, has tips for staying motivated and beating boredom, stress, and fear. Here are her inspiring words of wisdom.

If you’ve taken a class with me on Facebook live lately, you know I’m a pretty positive, motivated person! It comes with the territory: a big part of my job as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer is to help people push themselves, achieve their goals, and set their sights even higher next time.

Or at least, that was a big part of my job before a pandemic shut the world down and turned our collective future into a big question mark.

*Gulp.*

We all know we’re in the midst of a crisis, and we’re all coping with it differently. I love seeing some of my friends and family thrive from the comfort of their home offices, overjoyed they’re now spending an extra hour or two a day playing with their kids instead of sitting in rush hour traffic.

But if you’re reading this, you’re probably not feeling ultra-productive and you need some inspiration. If you are feeling unmotivated (and maybe even a little guilty about it), the last thing you need right now is to read a long list of things you “should” be doing. So instead, I thought I’d share some of the things I’m doing right now to try to cope with my stress, boost my mood, and brighten my days a little. I hope some of these will work for you too!

1. Reimagining my personal goals so they’re super-small and easy.

The last thing we need right now is the disappointment of “failure.” Instead of pledging to run a marathon, my goals these days are more like, “I’m going to walk around the block today.” Setting these small goals I know I can tackle means I get to enjoy the positive feeling of achievement over and over. It also makes me hungry for more: it feels good to be able to say “I did it!” and that good feeling gets me excited to set another little goal for myself.

2. Sleeping. A lot.

No, you do not lack discipline if all of this ends and you haven’t learned a new skill, finished a novel, or done whatever else we may be told to accomplish in the middle of a pandemic. In my mind, I would count it as a resounding success if some of us caught up on even a little sleep while we’re spending so much time at home.

3. Moving every morning.

No, I will not be doing 6:00 am bootcamp daily! All I mean is that I’m going to do my best to be vertical for at least a few minutes at the start of every day. For me, moving clears my mind gives me a little energy boost, and helps me feel good about the day ahead. You can try one of The Bright Spot’s live group fitness classes, or watch a pre-recorded one on our Youtube channel.

4. Remembering to nourish my body.
There’s something calming and reassuring about planning what you’re going to eat, and when. Prepping at least some of my meals and snacks the night before makes my day feel so much less overwhelming; it’s one less thing I have to think about while I’m in the middle of trying to work and simultaneously supervise my kids’ online learning.

5. Seizing my good days to tackle new adventures.

Some days, you will feel motivated and productive! I’m planning to put them to good use by trying something new I’ve always been interested in but never had time to explore. Something fun I keep telling people to try right now is my Arriba class: this is your chance to really let loose and dance like no one’s watching…because they’re actually not 😉

6. Being extra kind and forgiving to myself.

Most importantly, not every day is going to be a good day. When you’re feeling off and nothing’s helping to shake that funk, you’ve got to dig down deep and find the strength to do the toughest thing on this list: be okay with it. Personally, I like to brew a cup of hot tea, grab a seat in the sun, and remind myself that it’s perfectly acceptable not to be motivated today — that I am allowed to feel down, or stressed, or scared, or just plain off when there is a literal crisis unfolding around me. Simply telling yourself that your feelings are normal, and acknowledging that you are doing your very best, can really help you feel a little more calm and in control.

As the Manager of Program Development for the YMCA of Greater Toronto, Sherry builds and advances our group fitness programs and coaches our staff and volunteer instructors to deliver the very best classes they can. She also works with YMCAs across Canada to bring our latest and greatest group fitness classes to more people in more communities. Sherry has been a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for over 20 years, has a diploma in Fitness & Lifestyle Management from George Brown College and an honours degree in Business, and is a YMCA Canada Training Educator. She is the proud mother of two children who occasionally make guest appearances in the live classes she’s teaching for free right now on our Facebook channel!

We rely on good balance a lot in our day-to-day lives. It helps us walk with ease, climb stairs without stumbling, sit down and stand up, and even dance to our favourite tunes. It isn’t until we start to lose this faculty that we realize how much we need it. So we asked Sam Casmey, Manager of Adult Health & Fitness Programs here at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, to share her advice for building balance while you’re at home right now.

Why is your balance changing?

Our bodies change as we age and over time, you might have seen your balance decline. These issues can arise for older adults for a variety of reasons, such as decreases in the quality of your vision, inner ear problems, or changes to your sense of touch and proprioception (the ability to sense where your body is in space).

Understandingly, these physical changes might change your approach to exercise — but they shouldn’t spell the end of a fun, active lifestyle! In fact, studies suggest that regular, appropriate exercise can slow the physiological decline of balance, and in some cases, make you feel even more stable than you were before.

How can you work on improving it?

The trick to maintaining or improving your balance and mobility is to take it one step at a time. When you’re doing any given exercise or activity, try to see if you can find stability. Once you feel comfortable, it’s time to challenge yourself! While you’re doing that exercise or activity, try removing a stabilizing factor to see how your mind and body respond. For example, if you were exercising while holding onto a chair or countertop for stability, try taking your hand away for a second. See how it feels to do the same movement without holding on.

Try these exercises at home

1. Standing on one leg

Set yourself up near a wall, so you can rest your hand on it for support if you need to. Start on both feet, then start to lift one leg off the floor. Notice how your balance is impacted here. Do you feel comfortable? Maybe you can move that lifted leg in space to make this exercise even more challenging! How does that feel?

Repeat the same exercise on the other side, lifting the opposite leg off the floor. Once you’ve mastered that, you can start taking your hands away from the wall.

2. Standing on a firm pillow

Another way to challenge yourself is to stand on an unstable surface. Do the exact same exercise I explained above, but try standing on a firm pillow. Notice how it feels to stand on an uneven, moving surface. If it’s easy for you, try taking one hand away from the wall. Go slowly and focus your attention on staying balanced on your prop. Continue challenging yourself by removing the other hand.

When you’re doing either of these exercises, don’t forget to keep breathing evenly and steadily. Most importantly, have fun with it!

Work on your balance with one of our fitness instructors

We’re offering free low-impact exercise classes you can join from the comfort of your home. Join us on YouTube for your choice of live or pre-recorded fitness classes like Soothing Yoga, Bodyfit Chair, Bodyfit Gentle, Chair Yoga, and Arriba.

Sam Casmey has an honours BSc in kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and is a YMCA Canada Trainer Educator. She’s currently the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Manager of Health & Fitness Adult Programs. In the 20 years she’s been working at the Y, Sam’s taught thousands of fitness classes and trained hundreds of volunteers to teach classes including Arriba, MuscleFit, Bootcamp, and many more. She’s currently spending her time on Sudoku, cryptic crosswords, and books on habits and behaviour change.

Regular exercise that gets your blood pumping is important for people of all ages, but older adults in particular have a lot to gain. Cardio can strengthen your heart and lungs, boost your energy, and even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. To help you tap into these benefits, we asked Sam Casmey, Manager of Adult Health & Fitness Programs here at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, for some tips to safely get your heart rate up at home.

Moderate exercise for just 30 minutes a day makes a big difference for your health. And by “moderate exercise,” I don’t mean you need to take a wild bootcamp class! I mean moving your body in any way that feels good to you. You’ll get pretty much the same benefits whether you get your daily half-hour of movement in all at once, or break it up in a few short sessions. For instance, you could try three 10-minute bouts of exercise, spread over a whole day. So, there’s no need to push beyond your limits in one sitting!

Try these cardio activities at home

The important thing with both of these activities is just to move your body, get your heart pumping, and stay pain-free. If you do start feeling any pain, go back to the basics — whatever sort of movement you were doing that wasn’t painful.

1. Put on your favourite song, and start moving! Just like with the balance exercises I shared in another article, you can start simple and take it up a notch when you’re ready.

2. Start sitting down, with your arms extended in front of you, or out to the sides. Start moving them in small circles. Once that feels comfortable, challenge yourself by making your circles a little bigger. If that feels good, add your legs. You can stay sitting, or stand up and continue moving your arms and legs.

It doesn’t really matter what movements you’re doing, as long as you’re warming up your body and feeling good. Remember that every day is going to feel different. Your energy, balance, and range of motion will fluctuate. Don’t get discouraged — it’s totally normal! Instead, check in with yourself, get a feel for where your body’s at today, and do what feels right.

Get moving with one of our free online classes

Cardio is especially fun when you do it with other people and good music! This might seem like a bit of a challenge while we practice physical distancing, but don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. Our low-impact online classes will get your heart rate up, all from the comfort of your home. Join us on YouTube for your choice of live or pre-recorded fitness classes like Soothing Yoga, Bodyfit Chair, Bodyfit Gentle, Chair Yoga, and Arriba.

Sam Casmey has an honours BSc in kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and is a YMCA Canada Trainer Educator. She’s currently the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Manager of Health & Fitness Adult Programs. In the 20 years she’s been working at the Y, Sam’s taught thousands of fitness classes and trained hundreds of volunteers to teach classes including Arriba, MuscleFit, Bootcamp, and many more. She’s currently spending her time on Sudoku, cryptic crosswords, and books on habits and behaviour change.