Her contribution has been valuable in getting our senior readers exercising, but she is leaving George for a new opportunity that has come her way. But, readers need not despair! From next week, Michael Botha of Anine van der Westhuizen Biokinetics will be inspiring the over 60s to pursue physical activities that will enhance body and mind.
The smallest movement in the human body takes energy to perform. Energy does not only provide fuel for movements but also livens up the rest of the body, increases the metabolic rate and stimulates the mind. Exercise has a direct, immediate effect on energy. Exercising at a low to moderate pace creates energy in the body by increasing the demand for energy. Simply hopping up and down for 60 seconds will create a great amount of energy, leaving the body feeling invigorated.
Slow, deliberate movements increase energy since the demand for energy is low, thereby reducing fatigue. At times we feel as if we are too tired to do anything at all.
Do these basic movements to increase energy.
Hip circles: Stand with the feet hip-width apart. Place the hands on the hips. Make big circles, moving the hips first clockwise and then anticlockwise. Continue for 60 seconds.
Arm lift and cross-over: If you are seated on a chair do this movement to create energy to get out of the chair. Let the arms hang next to the side. Breathe in, raising the arms up along the sides and lifting them up to the ceiling. Cross over the arms overhead. Breathe out, lowering the arms back down to the sides. Repeat 8-10 times.
Skip: Place the hands behind the back. Skip for 60 seconds. Rest for 15 seconds. Skip again for 60 seconds.
