Exercising with a Purpose

We all know that exercise is good for the body and by extension for the mind. Something as simple as walking every day brings benefits.

            But what about targeted exercises? For example, there are exercises specifically designed to help bones stay healthy. That is certainly something all aging women should be doing. I do a set of such specially designed exercises every second day in the hope that I will not be the victim of broken bones.

            And what about exercises to reduce the risk of falling?

            One study involved a sample of 256 physically inactive, community-dwelling adults in Oregon. Participants either took part three times per week for six months in a Tai Chi group or were assigned to a stretching control group. The purpose was to measure the number of falls as well as functional balance.

            The Tai Chi group had significantly fewer falls compared with the stretching group. Also, compared with the stretching group, the Tai Chi participants showed significant improvements in functional balance, physical performance and reduced fear of falling.

Who would not want that!

            These results certainly show that Tai Chi is very effective in reducing falls. And it is such an easy set of targeted movements that anyone can do them, with proper instructions, of course. And now that the good weather is back, finding a group of Tai Chi enthusiasts who follow an instructor in an outdoor setting can be that much more pleasant.

            There is such a group that practices in the large park near my home. I can’t wait to join them as soon as everyone feels the weather is warm enough.