My Life In Movement - 40 Years of Exercise

I can still feel the adrenalin of the running games I played at school as a 9 year old and the excitement of competing on the athletics fields as a teenager. And looking back over the decades of my life in movement I am grateful that I maintained movement as a core of my levity and lifestyle.

Strength Training: Building Muscle and Bone Health

Strength training, also known as resistance training, involves using weights, resistance bands, or body weight to build muscle strength. It is a crucial component of a balanced fitness routine and provides

At 18, around the time I left school, I wanted to continue to continue to engage my body and build muscle and so I joined a local gymnasium where I started to lift weights. The power I felt from the disciplined practice of repetition and the ability to sculpt my body strengthened and shaped not only my body but my mind. I learned that I was able to do anything I wanted with a strong body and mind. The numerous benefits of strength training include:

-Increased muscle mass and metabolism

-Improved bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis

-Enhanced posture and injury prevention

-Better overall endurance and strength

Popular strength training exercises include squats, lunges, push-ups, and weightlifting routines. Many fitness enthusiasts incorporate functional training, which mimics everyday movements to improve overall mobility and strength.

While lifting remained a core of my health and fitness lifestyle I also loved other forms of movement and looking back I can see the periods quite distinctly when I fell in love with other sports.

Staying active helped me to maintaining overall health and well-being. Regular movement and exercise improved and strengthened my cardiovascular health, boosted mood, enhanced flexibility, and strengthened muscles.

I can see that there were times when I wanted to move in a more gentle way to stay active and then there were times when a high-intensity workout was what I needed.

Early 20's

Dancing: Fun and Effective Cardio

I practically grew up on the dance floors of London where there was a very thriving and diverse dance scene so in my twenties I was dancing three times a week for at least 3-4 hours. Dancing not only improved my coordination, balance, and cardiovascular fitness but was socially very rewarding.

Observing the many various styles of dances from all over the world on social media, I am thrilled to see that the human spirit continues to express itself so joyfully, including for Gen X and Boomers who are still embracing movement as a way to stay active and thriving. Dancing not only boosts physical fitness but also has mental health benefits by reducing stress and improving mood through the release of endorphins which is why even as I approach my 60th year in 2025 I enjoy throwing shapes on a dance floor too.

Swimming For Mindfulness

Swimming was my exercise of choice in my early 20's. I lived just 7 minutes walk from a local pool and so I began most of my days with a 30 minute dip. I never quite mastered the front crawl, but breast-stroke and back-stroke enabled me to begin the day in a form of movement meditation which encouraged mindfulness.

Additionally swimming almost daily improved my heart health, strengthen bones and joints and cardiovascular health. This period of my life instilled early morning movement as a firm habit.

Walking: The Ultimate Low-Impact Exercise

I have always loved walking as one of the simplest yet most effective forms of movement: It requires no equipment, can be done anywhere, and is suitable for all fitness levels. Studies show that walking for at least 30 minutes a day can improve heart health, reduce stress and anxiety, strengthen bones and joints, and aid in weight management.

30's Dedication

I began Yoga in my early 30's as a practice to deepen my spirituality. As a centuries-old practice that combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation that brings the mind, body and spirit into unison it is little wonder that it has gained immense popularity due to its benefits as the antidote to the stresses of modern living. Yoga is excellent for reducing stress, increasing flexibility, and improving balance. My 30 year practice of yoga has seen me move through classic Iyenger (not for long) to Hatha Yoga – A gentle introduction to basic postures and breathing techniques which has formed the core of my practice; .Vinyasa Yoga – A dynamic flow of poses linked with breath, great for improving flexibility and endurance and Yin Yoga – Slow-paced poses held for longer periods to promote deep stretching and relaxation.

40's Fitness

Running

I began running seriously in my 40's after burning myself out in Corporate London. I lost confidence in my fitness and needed a new way to improve it. I began running to work - a x mile journey where I began in the dark (before the build up of traffic) and arrived at work around 8.00 where I went to the sauna and began my work day around 8.30. The vitality, stamina and strength I gained from that practice 3 times a week ensured I was ready for anything that came me way during the day and could handle it with ease.

50's Movement

In my 50's I continue to mix up my movement engaging in a daily yoga practice, swimming (now in the seas of the Caribbean) at least once a week, walking (I don't own a car) and again, strength training twice a week to maintain muscle strength.

I can look back and see that my various phases of movement have enabled me to feel very alive in my body and appreciate the interconnectedness of life more fully. The nutritious meals enabled cell growth and repair, the mindfulness and breath practice calmed and invigorated my mind.

As I enter my 60's I hope to try new practices including Tai Chi and Qigong or even a team sport to keep my routines engaging and exciting.

Movement and exercise come in many forms, from gentle practices like yoga and Tai Chi to high-energy workouts like HIIT and dancing. The key is to find a practice that suits your lifestyle, fitness goals, and personal preferences. Whether you enjoy walking in nature, lifting weights, or flowing through yoga poses, regular movement can enhance your physical health, boost your mental well-being, and improve your overall quality of life.

So, find an activity you love, stay consistent, and enjoy the journey to a healthier and more active you!