Meno Mix Tape Vol. 9 Being Strong Enough to Fall
Meno Tip - Being Strong Enough to Fall.
Why Strength, Mobility, and Flexibility Matter (A Cautionary Tale!)
A few weeks ago, I was abruptly reminded of why strength training is so important, especially as we age.
I had some girlfriends over for a workout on the sport court, and we were having a sweat sesh in the heat. We were just about to start our last circuit, and I was getting ready to do some assisted pull-ups. There I was, standing on a chair with one foot in a band attached to the pull-up bar, when I noticed my phone on the ground. That phone was my timer.
Now, here’s where things went sideways, literally. Instead of using the perfectly good timer on my watch (you know, the one right there on my wrist 🙄), I decided to bend down and grab the phone… while standing on the chair… with one foot in a resistance band. I failed to remember my name is NOT Gumby.
The chair flew out from under me. My leg scraped against the metal arm of the chair, and my backside landed hard on the corner of my squat rack. It was silly, scary, funny, and painful all at once. I laid there for a moment, stunned and honestly a little afraid to move.
But here’s the thing: I was okay. Bruised? Yes. Sore? Absolutely. But no broken bones, no pulled muscles, no serious injury. And I’m convinced that’s because of the years I’ve put into strength training, mobility, and flexibility work.
The truth is, as we get older, we naturally lose muscle mass, flexibility, balance, and even bone density. Some of this is due to changing hormones, and some of it is simply from living modern, busy, often sedentary lives. Desk jobs, long commutes, errands, and stress all play a part.
That’s why we need to move. We need to build strength not just for our muscles, but for our bones. We need to stretch and work on mobility (motion is lotion) so that when life throws us, literally, we have the resilience to get back up without major injury.
Quote of the Week
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Not So Fun Fact
Did you know that individuals with a sedentary lifestyle are greater risk for hip fractures? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to break any bone. My goal is to be active, mobile and spend with family and friends not being treated by doctors.
I want to be the oldest lady in the gym, not the youngest in an assisted living facility.
Let’s work together to get strong, move daily and have healthy bones so we don’t get hurt and spend time being cared for.
Another way to help prevent or reverse bone loss is through walking. You can start a Be Bone Strong walking group. Check this out and get a group started in your community.
My Mix
Let’s get stronger together while jamming to this playlist.
Coming back to an exercise program after some time off or beginning one for the first time can feel overwhelming. If you’re not sure where to start, I’m here as a resource and guide. Schedule a call with me, and together we can create a plan that meets you where you are right now—no chairs or acrobatics required.
Wishing you a week filled with strength!
Stephanie
PS. I have heard such nice feedback in recent weeks about Meno Mix Tape email and the newsletter. Please know how grateful I am that you take time to read these and that you enjoy them. It really means the world to me. XO.
