| I don't want to shuffle... well, that is unless it's the | | | | the exception of number 6, they are all good reasons |
| Beto Shuffle in Zumba® class, or a nice shuffle | | | | to attend class! Number 6 needs to be corrected |
| step in a old soft shoe tap dance! | | | | immediately. The wrong pair of shoes is probably |
| I see what happens as people begin to miss exercise | | | | going to cause an injury or at least, pain. Wear shoes |
| classes, and then I see them in the halls at the | | | | that support your feet. They should not be slip-ons |
| retirement center. Suddenly, they are shuffling. Why? | | | | of any kind, and avoid sandals. Make sure that your |
| They are losing their lower body strength. | | | | shoes fit well, and choose a shoe that works well on |
| Lower-body strength means you also have good | | | | the floor surface on which you exercise. Ask your |
| balance, flexibility, and endurance. As you get older | | | | instructor if you are not sure that your shoes are |
| those attributes reduce your risk of falls, injuries, and | | | | appropriate. |
| hip fractures, all of which are associated with declining | | | | Fear of being injured in a fall ironically makes people |
| health in older folks. | | | | tense up more, increasing those qualities making us |
| My online search reveals that there are at least 26 | | | | unstable. In other words, the fear itself becomes |
| medical reasons that person may begin to have that | | | | self-fulfilling. People who are afraid of falling impose |
| typical shuffling gait. Those must, of course, be ruled | | | | immobility and sedentary living on themselves. As |
| out before tackling the issue. That's not something | | | | they do less, their physical condition deteriorates, |
| that your fitness instructor can diagnose so it's | | | | making them even more susceptible to falls. What |
| important to see a doctor if you're noticing changes | | | | they fear becomes most likely. |
| in the way you walk, also called your gait. | | | | Things you can do: |
| Once you've ruled out physical disease, then we can | | | | - Take responsibility for the way that you move |
| start to look at other causes. Most often, people | | | | - Restore poise and balance through a regular |
| who are losing their lower body strength are simply | | | | program of exercise |
| becoming more sedentary. Cutting out exercise, no | | | | - Increase flexibility at joints which lessons damage in |
| matter how old and frail you may be is almost | | | | the event of a fall |
| always a mistake. Here are a few typical reasons | | | | - Regain and maintain mobility by being involved |
| that people give me for missing class: | | | | regularly in physical activities |
| 1. My legs were tired after I exercised last time. | | | | - Improve stamina with a regular program of exercise |
| 2. I was afraid I would fall. | | | | - Do strength building exercises (resistance with |
| 3. My legs felt heavy. | | | | elastic bands or free weights) to promote ease in |
| 4. My blood pressure was high. | | | | day to day activities, and to promote bone health, |
| 5. My blood pressure was low. | | | | and better balance |
| 6. My shoes hurt my feet when I exercise. | | | | - Start dancing! Dancing increases fitness, balance, |
| I've heard dozens more, but these are typical. None | | | | flexibility, stamina, strength, and it's fun! |
| of these are reasons for skipping exercise class. With | | | | |