My Rude awakening

A few weeks ago I discovered that I was not as strong as I thought. While working at a skilled rehab center a CNA and I helped shift a patient up in bed after her PT session. Picture a 20-something CNA across from me. On the count of three we moved. Well, I should say the CNA moved the patient about 6” off the mattress and 6” up the bed. I, on the other hand, moved the patient a meager 1” off the mattress and 1” up the bed.

😳 😱 😔

SHOCKED!!!!

I tell you I was shocked. When did I lose this much strength??? This shouldn’t be this difficult for someone as active as I am. Once I got over my embarrassment, I came to realize that my daily walks, yoga practice, push-ups and planks, and cycling indoors and out were clearly not enough to keep up the strength needed in this job.

Busy Schedules

So I naturally lined up my excuses. My schedule had gotten busier between working part-time at the SNF and part-time in and promoting my private practice in which I help active adults anxious and frustrated by changes in their bodies feel confident, strong, and agile so they can reconnect and keep up with their friends. The weeks feel like there is never enough time to keep up with all the exercise needed to do the job. Many have osteoporosis and want to avoid injuries.

Walking the Talk

However, I realized that if I was going to help my private clients with osteoporosis create their perfect exercise plan and routine and to fit it into an already busy schedule, then I had better start practicing what I preach.

I had let my resistance training fall to the side so my squat, lift, and weight shift strength needed to move that patient had, well, disappeared. The old adage, “use it or lose it” came to mind.

In case you are curious Body in Tune would love to collaborate with you to find your perfect movement practice.

What next

Naturally, I came home that fateful day and immediately told my husband I would be late to dinner because I needed to pick up my weights for a set or two of squats and side to side lunges. Then I looked at my schedule to see where I was going to make the necessary changes to fit my 20-30 min HIIT workouts back into my life.

A Gradual Loss of Strength

I feel as if I have come face to face with the age related changes talked about in my physical therapy textbooks and trainings. As women we begin menopause at a busy time of life. We get anxious, begin to have difficulty sleeping, and notice weight changes and discover a new found belly with all the shifting hormones. Additionally we start down the slippery slope of losing bone strength and muscle mass and strength. I am right there with you ladies!

Now many years past the start of menopause I have noticed my muscle bulk shrink, partially because I wasn’t challenging my upper body muscles, partly due to shifting hormones and different activities. It wasn’t until the incident of struggling to move a patient that I put 2+2 together.

So Now What?

Ironically, about the same time I started a training called, “Modern Management of the Older Adult”. I pursued this course to see how else I could help my osteoporosis clients. I hadn’t stopped to consider that what I’m offering my clients, I also need to be prescribing for myself.

We are all “Older Adults in Training”

It is time to objectively look at my clients, their goals, the barriers they face, their current strength and abilities. And this goes for me and my life as well. Armed with this information we can create a more meaningful exercise routine. One that prepares us to lift a suitcase into the overhead bin, lift grandchildren, or lifting canoes, kayaks or gardening equipment.

Good news! Body in Tune would love to collaborate with you to teach you this precise yoga practice and to support your ongoing practice so you can enjoy your life off the mat with confidence.

It works fast!

Now 3 weeks into my new added weight training sessions (2-3x per week), I noticed it was easier to lift and shift another patient. Moreover, I am sleeping better 🎉 and my muscles recover faster after cross country skiing. This is encouraging.

Changes for my clients

I am seeing this with my clients too whether it is resistance training with bands and dumbbells or with seated and standing yoga poses intentionally finding as many muscles as possible. They are reporting better balance, more ease getting up and down off the floor, less back strain when making the bed.

My clients inspire me. Some want to go on self-supported canoe trips. Others want to lift luggage into overhead bins while traveling. Armed with my yoga teaching background, Dr. Fishman’s method of yoga for osteoporosis and now my new and growing knowledge of how hard we need to push ourselves to do more, I feel confident that I can help my clients feel confident, strong, and agile so they can keep up with their life, dreams, and expectations.

Body in Tune, LLC was born from a belief that quality of life matters; both life and physical balance matters.

I would welcome the opportunity to be part of your support team with regards to women’s health, your muscles, joints, bones and osteoporosis. The goal is, after all, to help you feel confident in your body so you can play with your grand children, take that long-dreamed of vacation and get outside and enjoy a walk with friends.

Yoga for Your Bones: Build Strength, Balance, and Resilience
Mondays 10:30-11:30 am, Live Online

An online class designed to promote bone health, improve overall strength, and support your well-being. Whether you’re continuing your yoga journey or exploring a fresh approach to caring for your bones, this class is for you!

• Build strength, flexibility, and coordination.

• Improve balance and posture to reduce fall risks.

• Feel centered, grounded, and calm.

• Relieve stress and anxiety through mindful movement and breath work.