Every Day Is Moving Day
Signs of aging (though subtle) start in the thirties. I won’t list any because you might run to a mirror for a frantic look instead of finishing this article. Stay with me, please. You have the rest of your life to archive your aging, if you’re lucky. And the secret of vital aging is movement.
Is exercise a regular part of your life? How much do you move every day versus being still? As years pass, mobility becomes KEY. It enhances your strength and sparks more energy: it doesn’t require hours of sweating and straining at the gym unless that’s your jam. The more you make movement an essential ingredient in your daily routine, the better you feel mentally and physically. Here’s the equation: strength + flexibility + endurance = MOBILITY.
On the Move
Regardless of your age you can slowly, systematically build yourself up to be stronger, straighter and more limber. That’s mobility. I’ve always been active: daily walks, riding horses, some jogging, strength training, even yoga, though I didn’t love it. But I really like chair yoga. These days, all kinds of exercises (many only 20 minutes long) can be done in a chair (even lunges!) to strengthen your arms, core, legs and glutes.
Chair exercises may appear too basic to make a difference, but for the last four years I’ve done them faithfully, gentle but effective standing (strengthening) workouts daily for increased mobility plus meditation for relaxation. Ditch the no pain, no gain mentality for only slight strain that’s easy to maintain.
Health is a Wealth
My health isn’t perfect, but I am strong, fit and energetic for my age. When weather gets dicey, I walk indoors and stick to my regimen. Just think, you can knock off 500 steps in 10 minutes; how can you say you don’t have time? Exercise is cumulative, it adds up! Rather than thinking “Will I exercise?” Ask “When?” By making every day “moving day” you will feel better and look better. Try this routine for three months and measure the difference. Small changes spark big results. And once you build the habit you’ll be on the move—for good!
© 2025. Leslie Charles, Speech Coach, Speaker, Author, Funeral-life Celebrant. leslie@lesliecharles.com