Do you remember the good old days when you didn’t use the word “exercise” at all? You just did your work around the house, the garden, or even the farm, and that was your exercise for the day. Maybe on a Saturday night you would go out to hear a band play some old time country songs and dance – and that was also exercise.
Moving the body is important – no matter how we do it. Moving the body is any activity that uses your energy to move the large muscles in your body. Some activities increase your stamina, while others improve your strength, flexibility, or balance. Moving your body in these ways can improve your ability to do more of the things you want.
Do you love old time country music? Do you love to dance but it is hard to get out on the floor like you once did? Don’t worry! You can still enjoy songs like Coal Miner’s Daughter, Oakie from Muskogee, and Heart Aches by the Number from the comfort of your chair or even your bed. Don’t just listen though; move your body and get the blood flowing. We promise you will feel like a 20-year old again!
This Music and Movement exercise is an 18-minute video featuring Matthew G. Lloyd, a neurologic music therapist at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System. Lloyd plays classic country music on his guitar while guiding the viewer through a series of warm-ups and a gentle set of exercises. This routine is designed for the core and improving lower body strength, endurance and motor control.
Physical activity is safe for almost everyone, and its health benefits far outweigh the risks. Even if you are out of shape, or have not been active in a long time, you can still be active safely. If you have a concern about a health condition, or if you have active symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, dizziness or joint pain, talk with your health care team about the types and amounts of activity that are best for you before starting.
Learn more here: Be Physically Active – National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (va.gov).
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