Mobility & Fitness Archives

Reduce Fall Risk with Assistive Devices

Sep 10, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

Canes, walkers, and other assistive devices offer a triple play of better balance, improved mobility, and fewer falls. If a person can get past the idea that assistive devices are just for “old people,” they can re-open a world that might have become smaller as a result of balance and … Read More

3 Signs That Your Core Muscles Need Work

Jun 10, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

The “abs” get most of the attention in advertisements for strength devices, and a big waist is something almost everyone tries to avoid. But the first sign of weak core muscles is poor posture—both standing and sitting. Other signs are back pain and muscle weakness. Poor Posture The American Physical … Read More

Strength Training for Brain Health

May 17, 2019 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Aerobic exercise may be the kind of workout most closely associated with brain health benefits. Think about the circulation boost you get from a brisk walk or game of tennis. But strength training with weights, machines, resistance bands or your own body weight (think push-ups) also may help improve cognition. … Read More

Core Muscles: How They Affect Your Daily Activities

Apr 11, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

Core muscles stabilize segments of the body, act as a shock absorber for the whole body, maintain functional (working) posture, and allow for motions, such as flexion and rotation. Each muscle and muscle group has a specific role to play in terms of daily activities. Most of us don’t think … Read More

Flexibility Exercises: 3 Low-Impact Options

Mar 19, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

The best one-size-fits-all class for flexibility is an aerobic exercise group class. The ultimate goal is aerobic (cardiovascular) fitness, but instructors and their students have to go through warm-up and flexibility exercises before getting to the aerobic component. If you are a beginner or older adult not used to regular … Read More

Dementia Prevention: Reduce Your Risk with Physical Activity

Mar 19, 2019 · Lynne Christensen · Aging & Independence

Several large, well-designed studies have concluded that exercise is good for the brain. Even moderate exercise, such as walking, when done regularly, has proven benefits for mental function. The evidence is convincing that regular physical activity (walking, bicycling, swimming) improves mental function. A few studies also suggest that it may … Read More

6 Core Fitness Equipment Options

Mar 18, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

Some people are reluctant to begin an exercise because they think sophisticated machines or expensive gym equipment are needed. Not so with core fitness. The core can be strengthened using body-weight exercises—using your own body as resistance —or easy-to-use balls, free weights, bands, and even chairs. Body Weight The classic … Read More

3 Balance Exercises for Mobility

Feb 8, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

Regardless of your age or physical condition, you can improve your balance and increase your mobility. First, determine your strengths and weaknesses. A doctor, physical therapist, or other health care professional can help. Next, find a set of easy balance exercises that fits your needs. The following are three exercises … Read More

Benefits of Aerobic Exercise: Healthier Heart, Bones, Lungs, and More

Jan 22, 2019 · Dawn Bialy · Aging & Independence

We don't hear the term “aerobic exercise” bandied about as often as we once did, but make no mistake: This type of activity remains the key to a healthy heart. Let's look at the benefits of aerobic exercise. First, what exactly is aerobic exercise? Aerobic exercise is continuous physical activity … Read More

Exercise for Parkinson’s Treatment: Improve Symptoms with Tai Chi, Dance, and More

Jan 10, 2019 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

As Parkinson’s disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to walk and perform movements. The disease affects the part of the brain that controls movement, and causes tremors, impaired gait, rigid muscles, slowed movements, and trouble with balance and posture. It is not surprising that people with Parkinson’s are often less … Read More

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