Exercise Today – for a Healthy Tomorrow: MD Podiatrist

Michael Daniels, DPM, says, as we age, we all enter the ‘use it or lose it’ phase of life. If you don’t use it now, you won’t be able to do it later.” A strong sense of balance is the foundation of independence in later life. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 4 older adults has a fall each year – with 10% of those falls resulting in a fracture. Dr. Michaels says, “Balance training can keep you upright and independent.”

“When weightlifting, use heavier lifts with fewer reps. But go slow – use light weights and perfect your form first, then build up gradually. Stick to 10-30 minutes twice weekly for several months to turn back the clock on strength loss,” says Dr. Michaels. “Sneak 15-30 seconds stretches as ‘movement snacks’ during TV breaks or while the kettle boils. Breaking them up is way more doable than one big session,” he adds. Finally, “post-session, grab a quick protein snack like milk, nuts, or hummus on crackers. These allow you to lock in gains. But be careful if kidneys or diabetes are factors for you.”