Are Simple Mobility Exercises for Women in Midlife the Key to Longevity?

If you’re a women in midlife, in your 50s, maybe going through menopause, and especially if you’ve come out the other side of menopause, I know you’ve probably experienced some kind of pain, stiffness, tension or limitation in your body that has only appeared in the last 5 years.

What you’re experiencing may seem to have appeared for no reason, but it may be because of injury, or even a lack of use.

Could it be the exercise you’re currently doing isn’t right for your body, or maybe the lack of exercise that’s causing the problem?

I understand, from all the women I've worked with over the years, that pain and the fear of making things worse is a big reason NOT to exercise. However, for most women, it's a loss of condition in the muscles, a lack of regular movement, and the belief that not moving but resting and being careful, especially with joints, will help things get better when in fact the problem is likely to return.

There is still a belief by many women that pain means harm, and that exercise is best avoided. If you went to a Physiotherapist with a joint or muscle related problem, they would encourage you to move. In fact, they’ll more than likely give you some simple exercises to do.

If you know your problem is general aches and pains, muscle stiffness, or wear and tear, you need to consider the type of exercise you can do that will help to manage these problems on a day-to-day basis.

Simple and controlled movements done regularly are an effective way to help manage everyday aches and pains. If you haven't moved your body for a while you might be interested to know that women starting out with exercise see the greatest improvements in mobility. Mobility is one of the key components for longevity in women, and regularly moving your body in a controlled way can help manage aches pains, and improve limitations you're experiencing.

Let's take the example of joint stiffness or restriction, and think about the tin man from the Wizard of Oz. His joints were stiff and creaky before they were oiled. But after they were oiled, he started to move easily.  This is just like your joints. Regular movement is like adding oil to your joints. The more you move, the easier your joints move, the more supple you feel around the joints, the less tightness and tension you have, helping to enhance mobility, which can result in less aches, pains and stiffness.

Why is mobility so important? Simply put, good mobility keeps your body moving, and can give you a better quality of life in your later years. It helps you stay healthy, active and mobile, and ensures you maintain your independence and live life to the full.

So a question to finish with. Are you going to live with “Tin Man Syndrome”, or start oiling your joints with regular movement?

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