Expected Gains from LM&R

[Debinmi]

The article in Cathe's newsletter today got me thinking about what we can expect to gain by having this new series. Here's the list from the newsletter:

"Here’s how functional training benefits the active aging exerciser:

1. Improves Strength and Mobility
   Functional training strengthens muscles and joints, helping you maintain the strength needed for essential tasks like lifting, reaching, and bending.
2. Enhances Balance and Stability
   Balance naturally declines with age, but targeted exercises like single-leg stands or dynamic movements can improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.
3. Boosts Flexibility
   Functional exercises often incorporate stretches or full-range movements, improving flexibility and reducing stiffness.
4. Supports Independence
   Functional fitness directly improves the ability to perform daily tasks, allowing you to maintain an active, independent lifestyle longer.
5. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
   Many functional exercises, such as circuit training, also elevate heart rate, supporting heart health and endurance.
6. Improves Cognitive Function
   Exercises that combine physical effort with coordination or memory tasks (like following patterns or sequences) can sharpen your brain and improve mental agility.

I thought it might be fun & interesting to poll our top expectations.

ETA: feel free to add in a post if there's something else you're hoping gain too.

 

[DeannaTS]

The article in Cathe's newsletter today got me thinking about what we can expect to gain by having this new series. Here's the list from the newsletter:

"Here’s how functional training benefits the active aging exerciser:

1. Improves Strength and Mobility
   Functional training strengthens muscles and joints, helping you maintain the strength needed for essential tasks like lifting, reaching, and bending.
2. Enhances Balance and Stability
   Balance naturally declines with age, but targeted exercises like single-leg stands or dynamic movements can improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.
3. Boosts Flexibility
   Functional exercises often incorporate stretches or full-range movements, improving flexibility and reducing stiffness.
4. Supports Independence
   Functional fitness directly improves the ability to perform daily tasks, allowing you to maintain an active, independent lifestyle longer.
5. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
   Many functional exercises, such as circuit training, also elevate heart rate, supporting heart health and endurance.
6. Improves Cognitive Function
   Exercises that combine physical effort with coordination or memory tasks (like following patterns or sequences) can sharpen your brain and improve mental agility.

I thought it might be fun & interesting to poll our top expectations.

ETA: feel free to add in a post if there's something else you're hoping gain too.

I would've checked every box if I could, but I think balance is at the top of my list, followed by keeping my independence. My sis & I have been working on our diets & adding in more flexibility/mobility to our workouts. We both want to be able to avoid ending up in a wheelchair or having to rely on a cane or walker. It's funny how my goals have changed as I age. It's not so much about how I look or fit into my clothes anymore as it's about staying active, independent & injury free. I like the added cognitive function. The brain needs to do workouts too! I do feel I am getting plenty of cardiovascular & strength gains with all of Cathe's workouts, but the lower impact is a plus! This series seems to have it all!

 

[Lady Vol Fan]

If it had allowed to me to choose three, I would have added improve mobility, too!

But I'm primarily interested in using the set for balance and flexibility.