I heard this line in a Paul Simon song and had an “aha!” moment. So many of us think that when we fall, it’s all over. We’re defeated, left behind or washed up. Nothing can be further from the truth!
"Falling" makes you appreciate it when you finally get it right.
In making mistakes or bad choices, we often discover a better understanding of who we are and better understanding leads to wisdom; falling leads to smarter choices. Sometimes you can’t peak in your life until you screw up a few times. I am no exception. Between some bad choices and set backs, I have fallen more than once. But today I remain resilient and more determined than ever to fly.
Perhaps falling to you is a metaphor for falling off a fitness program or diet, or failing at a relationship or job. So then you give up and think I can’t or what’s the point? It’s too late. I’m too old. It’s too hard. You feel sorry for yourself and think happiness, success and being in great shape is out of your reach.
Instead of giving up, stand back up and wipe the dirt off your back and plant your feet firmer in the ground and tell yourself, I am not giving up! It is never too late to start on a better path and always too early to stop or give up. It’s falling and standing back up that makes you strong. Falling makes you appreciate when you finally get it right. I like to think of our falls as stepping stones to get us on the right path. Each time you fall, think of yourself getting closer to really learning to fly.
Flying may be different for each of us. For me, it is to thrive in a place or state of mind of confidence, strength and perseverance, and to get the most out of each day with joy, contentment, peace and grace. Being fit and healthy keeps me in this place.
You have to learn how to "fall" before you learn to "fly."
As someone who is passionate about helping others to become healthier and happier, I hope you will utilize and benefit from my experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to improve the way you move, feel and look. I hope you will join me on the path to stay in great shape without the injury and impact of unrealistic, uncomfortable, painful exercise. Some trainers give exercises that only an acrobat can do. That will surely lead to falls. I provide low impact, age appropriate fitness that focuses on the all the issues that matter most: Increasing bone density and overall strength, improving balance, posture and flexibility, and reducing stress. Too good to be true promises and quick fixes lead to falling, but keeping your fitness realistic, sustainable and ageless to be consistent over time leads to flying. I provide you the runway, so you can take off and live life to the fullest.
Taking good care of yourself starts with you. It’s not your shoes. It’s not your outfit or clothes. It’s not the equipment or program that will bring you success. It’s you. It’s your attitude. It’s your head that makes all the difference. The only one who can get in your way is you, negative or positive. Maybe you’ve underestimated yourself and what you’re capable of doing. Look in the mirror and decide right here, right now that you will do the best you can. I bet you have more fire and strength in you than you realize. It’s up to you. Being healthy and in control of your wellness is within your reach. You make the choice.
Because staying alive and truly living are not the same thing; it is about staying healthy and being able bodied for the long run. Taking care of your body is integral for sustained longevity and for you to fly. Aspire to remain in a positive place, in a state of gratitude.
Before you can fly, learn how to fall.
Bridge on Stability Ball
Muscle Strength
Helpful Safety Tips:
Focus on back strengthening exercises to improve posture especially for those with Osteoporosis. The name of the game is to maintain good posture and help prevent fractures. Many older people have a hunched, kyphotic posture which usually leads to poor gait mechanics. This poor posture control increases the risk of falling and makes people less stable and unable to see safety hazards. Not to mention those with poor posture are more likely to have poor self image and less self confidence.
Fexibility / Balance
When we think about anti aging, the first image that comes to mind is the concept of a cosmetic makeover – lotions, lasers, potions, serums, and surgeries.
Research in general has shown that weight bearing exercises often serve to maintain bone density, stimulate bone growth and build up bone mass. Being sedentary however, leads to bone loss. Weight bearing and weight training exercises aids in Osteoporosis prevention because it places stress on bones, which results in increased bone mass. Moreover, the stronger muscles, better balance and agility to which exercise contributes can also help in fall prevention.
Eat Healthy – Balance nutrition is essential for body and brain health. Eat healthy and avoid processed foods and consume lots of color in your diet. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans ( U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture 2010) recommend a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk; include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts; and is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar.
