If we want to influence how aging feels then we have to do the work. There aren’t any shortcuts or biohacks that are going magically transform us. The magic is when you realize that exercise is a privilege and not a punishment. #enjoythejourney #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

Strength isn’t optional if we want to influence how aging feels. If you’re just getting started, ease in. Squats holding on to the kitchen sink, push ups against the counter, just find a way to start working it in to your day. #startwhereyouare #exercisesnacks #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

Joni Mitchell said it best: “you don’t know what you got till it’s gone”. My goal is to get you thinking about it while it’s still easy. Do something challenging today- the older version of you will thank you! #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

Strength & mobility are things that a lot of people take for granted. I hear from folks that have lost theirs and it makes me appreciate how precious they are and worthy of deliberate attention. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

I’m doing this frequently enough that it should start paying dividends. As I’ve said before, exercise should better equip us to navigate the obstacles that cross our paths. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

When my ankle and hip mobility improved and my legs and glutes got stronger my knees started feeling better. I’ll do 3- 4 sets of 30-40 seconds on each leg. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

I’ve lived in a two story home before but for the past few weeks we’ve been in 3rd floor walk up. Groceries and especially a 50 pound container of water gets heavy in a hurry. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

This is a little more accessible version of the world’s greatest stretch, it’s dialed down a little. I like both versions and I also love the open book stretch to open up my back and shoulders. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

I’m consistently impressed with what people are able to accomplish once they give themselves permission to. It’s easy to convince ourselves that where we are is as good as it gets. Stubbornness has it’s advantages. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

When something is called The World’s Greatest Stretch that sets a pretty high bar. My physical therapist frequently uses this one as a warm up. I’ll post an easier version tomorrow. I usually do 3 sets of 10 on each side. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

If you’re looking for a little spicier version of a plank this might qualify. If this is too ambitious try doing planks against a kitchen countertop. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck #decide

I got introduced to TRX in physical therapy years ago. They’re a valuable resource for resistance work but also for a balance and mobility work as well. #trx #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

Our bodies are begging us to give them something challenging to do. It doesn’t have to be extreme. In fact we need to ease in and build up over time but if we’re patient and a little stubborn we can do amazing things. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

Building strength helps mitigate some of the pain and limitations of arthritis. It’s not a cure all - I still had to have my shoulder replaced but it has definitely helped my knees and my other shoulder. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck #doyourwarmups

In today’s A Friendly Nudge I talk about how valuable a good physical therapist can be. For years I always tried to wait out an injury or joint issue but as I’ve gotten older I understand that muscle & connective tissue need proper loading to heal. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Mobility is something that I’ve always taken for granted but your feedback over the years has helped me understand how precious it is. We have to be intentional about building our strength while we can to influence how aging feels. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Mobility and strength will hurt your feelings by leaving without even saying goodbye. Don’t assume that just because you could do something a year ago you can still do it today. Use it or lose it is real and it can be harsh. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

It’s easy to lose perspective when we don’t feel well, we’re injured or recovering from something. Then as time passes we look back on it and we see that it was just a blip on the screen. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

I’m grateful that mobility is getting more attention but before we get too preoccupied with doing it without using our hands let’s get more folks comfortable getting up and down by whatever means necessary. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

I’m grateful I didn’t bust my butt and I remember that I wasn’t good at these when I did them 55 years ago in football practice. But bruised ego aside, this type of drill helps improve balance and agility. And humility. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

We see all of the articles about getting up without using our hands being predictive of longevity and I think that’s a little overhyped. Strength and mobility matter but if you need to use your hand to push yourself up I wouldn’t get freaked out. The main thing is to find what works for you.

I’m always surprised how fired up people get around certain things and some folks have big feelings about deep squats. If something bothers you don’t do it or find a different way to approach it. #startwhereyouare #doyourwarmups #agingshouldntsuck

Exercise and our bodies’ response to it demand patience. Rushing it is a recipe for injury and burnout.Social media gives you a highly curated look at people’s highlight reel and can give you an unrealistic set of expectations for yourself. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process!

My PT does a good job of making sure I do some light sets or some easy mobility/TRX work to prepare my connective tissue/joints/muscles for exercise. I was doing some 90/90 mobility work the other day and tweaked my hip. Hopefully nothing major but learn from my mistake. #doyourwarmups

It’s easy to convince ourselves that we can’t exercise until we have all of the right equipment. A gallon jug of water weighs 8 pounds. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Exercise snacks are an excellent way to ease in to exercise. You can sprinkle them in throughout the day or across the week and avoid the temptation to try to do too much too quick. Think of it as a marathon instead of a sprint. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

All of us have time to exercise if it’s something that’s important to us. Even just a few minutes a day can start making a difference. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

I’m going to continue to push back when people say some type of exercise is inappropriate for older adults. As adults we need to understand that it’s our responsibility to build capacity and not get ahead of ourselves but if we’re patient and do the work we’re capable of doing some amazing things.

Hitting my protein target got a lot easier and tastier when I started adding protein powder to my morning coffee. @Legion Supplements I’m loving the chocolate peanut butter whey protein isolate #agingshouldntsuck #tastyprotein

Exercise is a way to safely explore movement patterns and physical demands in a controlled environment. It’s also a great way to build confidence and capacity. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

We need to help older adults build strength and capacity. It makes us more durable and it helps us understand that we have a lot of influence over how aging feels. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

I’d love to see this type of park set up more common place. I see it on occasion but it would be tremendous if it was everywhere. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

We need to normalize older adults lifting weights. It helps with bone density, reduces or staves off sarcopenia and makes us more durable. Plus it just feels good. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Strength, balance and mobility training are important. Throwing in some agility work to the mix also pays dividends. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck #agilitytraining

If I’ve been sitting too much and starting to feel like a slug, I’ll do some body weight squats just to get some movement in. When I do deep squats like this it’s more for range of motion and to knock the rust off. #toomanycookies #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

I have been pleasantly surprised how my balance has responded to practice. I still have work to do but it’s gotten so much better than it was. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Aging well takes work and a sense of humor also helps. Stuff that I used to do without even thinking about it now takes focus and extra effort. The good news is that improvement is still possible. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Older adults need to find safe ways to reintroduce things like skipping, jumping and agility ladder work. My hamstrings love it and it gives you a workout in a hurry. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Aging is inevitable, decrepitude and fragility don’t have to be standard features. You can influence how aging feels and treats you. #agingshouldntsuck #startwhereyouare

It’s important that older adults understand that we can build capacity and strength even if we get a late start. We need to stop bubble wrapping seniors and instead help them find a doable path to their goals. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

I had sciatica for years and it was miserable and disc related so my suggestion is if you have sciatic pain that is persistent get it checked out by your doc, PT or chiro. I like this stretch but it’s not a cure-all. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Bulgarian split squats get a lot of undeserved hate. Well maybe it’s not all undeserved because they are pretty tough but they’re also worthwhile. Ease your way in. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

If I’m feeling stiff, I’ll do a deep squat to open my hips and ankles. But with any exercise if you see something that looks or feels not right for you, skip it or check with your doc or physical therapist to see if there’s a way to modify it. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

One of these days I hope to graduate to doing this without using the staff. It’s a tough move and definitely not appropriate for everyone. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Mobility is too important to take it for granted. If this is impossible for you, I’d encourage you to work with your physical therapist to find a doable alternative. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Mobility plays a large role in how aging feels. The good news is that regardless of age or current strength and mobility status we can improve where we are. I’m not going to insult you and suggest it’s easy but it’s doable and for me it’s definitely worth it. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Exercise helps us build physical resiliency but it also boosts our mental resiliency. I’m tapping in to that this week. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

This doesn’t look like it should be hard but my hip flexors were adamant that it was more challenging than I thought it was. If you try it, please let me know how it goes for you. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

How we tackle exercise today will have an enormous impact on how aging feels. And if aging is already roughing you up it’s never too late to get started doing something about it. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck

Strength and mobility don’t usually announce that they’re leaving. You’ll swear that they were there just a minute ago but they snuck out months or years ago when you were taking them for granted. Do the work. #startwhereyouare #agingshouldntsuck