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Gym machines were built for gym owners, not to help you balance
It seems that one of my quirks at the gym is that I do quite a few balance exercises. Not many others do. Like stretching, people seem to think that balance exercises are a waste of time.
This disappoints me, as those I see about me don't show signs of having good balance - I'm talking here about those over 50. If they could put their socks on while standing, I'd be very surprised. I'm disappointed because falls cut people's life short by 5 years on average. 
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I might not get back to the gym
Last week I decided to stay away from the gym for a while. Since I go 3 times a week- and primarily do strength training there - I've had to invent some new routines.
This one is varied running plus a more intense sequence at a "work station" on the route. The route is a running trail near my home. I'm enjoying my "Fartlek" run - especially since I can usually do it in the afternoon starting at about 4:30. You can see from the photographs how pleasant the weather is then. It's a nice feeling to be away from the gym and the crowd and to feel the fresh air blowing over me as I exercise. Harvard Health Let Me Down. Here Are My Better Suggestions For Supporting Your Immune System16/3/2020 
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How we can be more abundant in supporting our immune system
I am a big fan of the Harvard Health blog. I enjoy reading it - it's science-based and trustworthy.
That's why I was disappointed with the article "Six ways you can help your immune system". Of the "six ways" five were rather trite. I immediately thought of four better ways than the article suggested, especially in these days of Covid-19. 
Image credit: TRNTO https://trnto.com/toronto-businesses-close-to-prevent-coronavirus-spread/
Do these 9 exercises to stay strong and fit
With the restrictions on crowds, and in some places of the world on being within 1m of other people, it's likely you might not have access to your gym.
You can do these bodyweight exercises at home, and they will keep you fit. You'll find them a good challenge, and at the same time feel good they work across your whole body. Over 50, Drop The Crunches and Do These Three Spine Extension Exercises - Your Back Will Thank You12/3/2020 
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80% of the value is in the last 30% of the proper form
I was hooked on Russian Twists for a long time - over a decade. One day an instructor at the gym told me that at my age, it was a poor choice of exercise—too much tension on the lower back.
The answer was to move to exercises which extend our spine, not contract it. This is especially more beneficial as we get older. It makes sense when you think about it. Being hunched over a desk and learning towards a computer screen all day compresses the lower spine (and pulls a whole lot of other things out of shape). 
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Life is messy
The thought of being confused and going backwards scares people.
Today, people seek help when this happens to them. In the not too recent past, we called it life. The way to move forward is to, firstly, acknowledge that life does not always make sense. Newsletter: True or false - A Nightly Protein Shake Will Help You Lose Weight? We Examine The Facts8/3/2020 
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Plus, Should you try a vegan diet?
[Copy of my weekly newsletter] Please enjoy my hand-picked 4 Most Valuable pieces of content that I found this week, to help you live longer better.
These four topics stood out to me (click the links below):
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You might put it on though
How often have you read something like this "another way to lose more weight is to eat more protein"? An alternative version is this "boost your metabolism by increasing your protein intake".
And yet another version is "take a protein shake before bed and see your fat burn away as you sleep". Sorry to break the bad news, but eating more protein isn't going to help—no more than a walk around the block. A walk around the block will do you more good. 
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I'm adding it back onto my small list of daily supplements
Carnitine is a supplement that is often touted as a "magic pill" for weight loss or exercise performance.
The weight loss benefits are arguably still unsubstantiated. And, some sports authorities believe that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend Carnitine to athletes. However, Carnitine does have benefits which have recently been substantiated for diabetics (I'm one of those). 
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After this advice I completed my first 10km trail run
At my age (72 this year), and having only been running for a couple of years, there are regular aches and niggles that come with the pleasure of running.
I consulted my podiatrist about pains in the balls of my feet and right hip, and she gave me some great tips which solved those problems. |
ChoicesSince I was diagnosed at 50 with Type 2 diabetes I've been learning how to do bone-building fitness training which lowers my age. You can too. It's your choice. Walter Categories
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