Corporate Fitness and Active Aging

When we think about fitness, we often concentrate on strengthening our legs, bettering our balance, or boosting our endurance. However, there's an essential aspect of strength that is frequently neglected: our grip!

Grip strength is about much more than just having a firm handshake. It plays a significant role in daily activities, such as opening jars, carrying groceries, gardening, holding onto railings, and lifting objects safely.

Why Is Grip Strength Important?

Our hands help us to remain active, independent, and confident in our daily lives. As we grow older, our grip strength can naturally decline, making some everyday tasks more difficult. Studies have also shown that grip strength can be a marker of overall muscle strength and healthy aging. While having a strong grip alone doesn't ensure better health, maintaining strength in the hands and forearms is important for staying functional and independent.

Here are 5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Grip Strength:

1. Squeeze It

Use a soft stress ball or hand exerciser. Gently squeeze, hold for 3–5 seconds, and release. Repeat 10–15 times with each hand.

2. Carry with Confidence

Carrying light grocery bags or dumbbells at your sides can enhance your grip while also challenging your posture and stability. Begin with lighter weights and gradually increase as you progress.

3. Give Your Fingers a Workout

Put a rubber band around your fingers and gently spread them apart. This strengthens the muscles responsible for opening your hand, helping to balance out gripping exercises.

4. Try the Towel Twist

Hold a small towel with both hands and gently twist it in opposite directions, as if wringing out water. Switch directions after a few repetitions.

5. Put Your Grip to Work

Take up activities like gardening, cooking, crafting, and other hands-on hobbies to regularly use your hands. These small movements throughout the day can help maintain strength and dexterity.

Improving grip strength doesn't require fancy equipment or long workout sessions. Just a few minutes of focused hand exercises several times a week can make a significant difference over time. Start with movements that feel comfortable, avoid pushing through pain, and gradually increase the challenge as your hands strengthen.

Remember: Strong hands support an active lifestyle! Whether you're carrying your favorite book, tending to your garden, or lifting your grandchild, a little grip strength can go a long way in maintaining independence and doing the things you love.

It’s raining, it was a rough day, my sports team lost, my dog looked at me funny. There are so many easy excuses to go home, relax on the couch, crack open a cold pint of ice cream, and take the stress away with a favorite show. Seems like the way to deal with the challenges in life, right? Maybe for an occasional day, but there’s something better out there! Believe it or not, strength training is a great way to build resilience to life’s problems.

As a former collegiate soccer player, we were expected to lift 4 days a week if we wanted to stay in shape for our sport. I had the odd luxury of building that expectation from a young age to work out no matter what. Tired, sad, a bit sore, under the weather, exams coming up, it didn’t matter. However, if I wanted to be able to play at this level, it wasn’t a question of whether I wanted to work out… but when.

Fast forward several years, after college, there was an accident that left me with a brain injury and instructions from the doctor to not lift or do strenuous exercise. Walking was all I could do for 2 years, and unfortunately, it reset my whole mindset with exercise. Once I was cleared, I began to lift when I felt like it. It turned out that I felt like it maybe once a week. I lost my confidence in my body’s ability to work under pressure from life’s stressors. Then other daily tasks felt like too much work. This led to me being lazy with my meal preparations, going with the quick microwave meals. I was easily distracted by scrolling on my phone. Grass grew to my knees before I decided to mow. It didn’t click that my strength training routine was building such resilience and confidence until one day I was convinced to sign up for a marathon with only six months to train.

It pushed me to do what was needed to accomplish such a feat. Get the long runs in, recover well, eat right and get my confidence back. I’m not saying a marathon is what will lead to feeling capable or independent. It was simply a goal that was set to get myself moving. After the marathon, I realized how much I missed having that strength and resilience in everyday life. I got back to strength training, and slowly it bled into the other areas of my life. I was eating healthier, staying on top of chores, and instead of having my eyes glued to a screen, I was outside walking with friends and spending time in the present.

Strength training may not ever give back the strength I had as a college athlete. However, strength training can still give me that same confidence as before. Convincing me to get things done not because it feels good, but because it’s important to take care of myself for as long as possible. It reminds me on a daily or weekly basis what my body is capable of, and how much more capable it can be with just an hour of focus a couple of days a week.

Working on balance for the reduction of falls should be a part of your fitness journey during your aging process. It is important to talk about strength and the relationship it has with the reduction of falls.

 An individual walks into my office and asks to work on his balance because he is very fearful of falling. He is 82 years old. I will call him Joe. So, I asked Joe a series of questions. Joe has already been a member (application and consent have been completed) and has had a doctor’s consent to participate in a program for our wellness center. There are sensory deficits that can contribute to balance issues, such as lack of hearing or vision loss. Joe has both. Also, he struggles with getting up from a chair and up and down stairs. He does use a cane.

Joe and I went through a series of tests to assess balance and strength and found some areas that could be improved. Listed below are a few of the tests that could be performed by a fitness professional. Based on these results, an exercise prescription would be provided.

• Sit-to-stands test
• Single leg stance test
• Bicep curl test
• Timed up and Go test
• 2- min step test (cardio endurance)
• Functional reach test

This can be overwhelming at times; steps can be taken to improve his balance and strength. He scored on the lower part of the scale, which is why he struggles with some of his day-to-day activities such as getting out of a chair or walking up and down the stairs. Adding to those day-to-day activities, what if he had a bag of groceries or was carrying something from the first floor to the second floor? That would increase his risk of falling due to his lack of strength. So, the question would be, how can we improve his strength and decrease his risk of falling?

Here are some simple exercises (after a medical consultation) that you can add to his routine to get him stronger and reduce his risk of falling:

Leg-Focused Exercises

• Sit-to-stand exercises (chair squats to start with to modify)
• Standing leg lifts (done holding on to a countertop, standing tall
• Leg lifts lying in bed
• Calf raises (hold on to a tall chair or countertop, standing tall)
• NuStep (if applicable -or walking)
• Balancing on one leg (staying close to a chair)

Core Strengthening Exercises

• Bridges (can be done in bed, or if you can confidently get on or off the floor, with a mat)
• Seated crunches in a chair
• Seated marches in a chair

Since Joe was a new member, I did suggest a beginner-level balance class for him as well. When starting out a new exercise program, pay attention to how you are feeling. Ask yourself, does this make me feel good, do I feel pain, or am I too tired to continue for the rest of the day? It is ok to start slowly. Just remember it is ok to start slowly, but it is also important to know that the most effective way to prevent falls is to strength train and be consistent.

Ask yourself, do you have a strength program? If not, seek out a fitness professional that can help you with your strength journey. This can help you with future injuries and falls. Stay strong, my friends.

Your body needs to be able to handle whatever life throws at it, whether you’re an athlete training for your next competition, a weekend warrior striving for a personal best, or someone just wanting to finish a round of yardwork without a sore back. Progressive Resistance Training is the key to building your body’s natural armor, protecting you from injury while unlocking new levels of performance.

Your body builds resilience only when it is truly challenged. There are three primary ways your muscles adapt: mechanical tension, micro-tears, and metabolic stress.

• Mechanical Tension: This is the literal "pull" on your muscles when lifting something heavy. Your body responds by strengthening the connections to your bones, making your tendons more resilient.

• Micro-Tears: When you lift weights near your limit, you cause tiny tears in your muscle fibers. While this sounds negative, it’s the essential signal that tells your body to increase muscle size and density.

• Metabolic Stress: This is the "burn" you feel toward the end of a set. It’s a mixture of lactic acid and blood rushing to the area. The more you challenge this system, the more efficient your body becomes at managing this response, allowing you to work harder for longer.

When building your body, you need a plan. Jumping in and lifting the heaviest thing you can find is a recipe for disaster. A solid rule of thumb is to increase your total workload by about 10% per week. It’s also vital to listen to your body. If your muscles are painful to the touch, it’s okay to swap a heavy lift for some flexibility work. Remember: your muscles are challenged in the gym, but they grow during recovery.

A progressive training plan does more than just grow your biceps; it makes your whole body more resilient. By sticking to a program, you improve neuromuscular coordination, allowing your brain to recruit muscle fibers more efficiently. You also strengthen your bones. When your skeleton is taxed beyond its normal limits, it is driven to increase its density and rigidity. Perhaps most importantly, every challenging session proves to you that you can do hard things. You’re building mental toughness that carries over into every other part of your life.

Don't wait for the perfect day to get started. Make a plan, track your progress, and start seeing results. Progressive fitness training is the ultimate investment in your future self. Every "hard set" you finish today is a building block for the resilient body you’ll have tomorrow.

February is American Heart Month

28 days to remind everyone that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for men and women worldwide.  In fact, someone in the US passes away about every 35 seconds from heart disease, stroke, or related conditions. The heartbreaking reality of these unfavorable statistics is that many of the associated risk factors are preventable. With obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, physical inactivity, and poor diet being our risky six in the category, one cannot overlook that these statistics can be moderated through lifestyle changes. If you ask most people how to improve heart health, they are likely to tell you to do more cardiovascular training: walk, run, hike, bike. While this is not bad advice, I argue that it is incomplete without a regular, full-body strength regimen. 

So, why full body?

Full body strength training involves compound movements like squats, deadlifts, rows, and presses that incorporate multiple large muscle groups simultaneously. This offers powerful benefits for heart health and stress management, directly addressing several major risk factors for CVD. In 2023, the American Heart Association updated their scientific statement on the effect of resistance training on cardiovascular health. Showing a ≈15% lower risk of all-cause mortality and ≈17% lower risk of CVD with just 30-60 minutes of resistance training. They highlighted that resistance training reduces blood pressure, improves lipid profiles, enhances body composition, and develops glycemic control.  

The Science Behind Strength & Heart Health

Early this year, in Frontiers in Physiology, “Resistance training and cardiovascular health: epigenetic regulation,” Silva, Rodrigues, Torres, Improta-Caria, Oliveira, and Fernandes show that these full-body routines also induce epigenetic regulation. Working through various signaling pathways, influenced by insulin and growth factors, the beneficial arrangement produces positive effects beyond skeletal muscle. Again, showing resistance training to be particularly effective for improving insulin sensitivity and enhancing metabolic demand without the higher joint impact sometimes seen in extended aerobic exercise. In the realm of stress management, resistance training upregulates an important mechanism that can break the wheel of chronic stress.  

Strength Training & Stress Management

Elevated cortisol and adrenaline levels can exacerbate anxiety, increase blood pressure, and impair sleep. Resistance training lowers anxiety symptoms by releasing endorphins and improves overall mental health markers, including the reduction of depressive feelings and better self-esteem. Training patterns that involve large muscle groups require consistent, mindful attention to the movement. This level of focus can act as a moving meditation that further reduces stress markers, inflammation, and resting heart rate over time.  

How to Get Started (At Any Level)

So, how do you implement this, regardless of your current training level? You move! The most important thing to begin this journey is to start. Get into your NIFS fitness center and meet with one of our exercise physiologists for a fitness assessment and exercise prescription. Here is a simple set to get you moving in the right direction: 

• 2-3 times per week 

• 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions per exercise 

• Bodyweight squats (add weight if you feel comfortable) 

• Chest press or Overhead press (push ups are perfect, if equipment is not available) 

• Rows (a machine or barbell/dumbbells, even bodyweight is good) 

• A weighted carry (in your hands, on your shoulder, etc) for at least 50 meters 

Start simple and work consistently. Your heart will thank you for it. 

Improving and maintaining your balance is central to help prevent falls and avoid injury. There are many ways to enhance your current level of balance, whether it be getting your daily steps in by walking, taking weekly chair or standing yoga classes, or by strengthening your stability muscles to help keep your body standing strong. Balance is much more than simply standing on one leg. Consider this 3-step approach to improve your balance potential. 

• One Foot in Front of the Other – In addition to a weekly walking goal, consider trying a balance class or dance fitness workout. Or maybe do a few daily exercises in your home, such as Tandem Arm Swings, where you place the heel of one foot against the toes of your other foot, then swing your arms next to your sides front to back.  Have a sturdy chair within reach in case you need it. Do this 10 times then repeat on the opposite side at least once per day. 

• Strong and Stable – Your leg, core, and arm muscles play a big role in maintaining stability. The stronger you are, the more confident you’ll be in keeping your feet on the ground. You might consider taking a strengthening class so a professional can help you learn great form. If you want a few things to try at home, consider these: 
   
  • A good exercise for stronger legs is a Sit-to-Stand.  Sit at the edge of a stable chair with your arms across your chest; use the front of your legs to help you rise up; feel the chair lightly touching the back of your legs; and sit back down with control…don’t plop! Repeat for 60-seconds at your own pace.
   
  • An upper body and core exercise to try is a modified plank against a wall. Place your hands slightly wider than your shoulders against the wall and step back about 1-2 feet. Keep your body as straight as a board while bending your arms and  leaning your weight toward the wall. Hold for 10 seconds at a time and repeat 10 times.

• Stretched and Balanced – Your ability to move your body through a full range of motion helps you to maintain good posture and stability.  For example, tight hips will cause your body to bend at the crease of your body where your legs meet your trunk and keep you from being able to completely stand upright. Try a seated or standing stretch or yoga class.  For a simple hip stretch to do at home, stand next to a chair or counter, squeeze the muscles in your rear end as you push your hips slightly forward. An added benefit to this stretch is that it strengthens the rear of your body while you’re stretching the front. Hold for 10 seconds then repeat 3-4 times daily. 

Balance improvements can be made by simple changes done consistently over time. It is not a quick process but if you set up daily and weekly goals of making exercise a habit, you will see positive changes over time. Moving, strengthening, and stretching is vital for maintaining your mobility. 

At the core of any great fitness program is the belief progress is possible at any age, and this year two of our dedicated team members brought this belief to life for their residents in Arizona with the launch of their Superpowers program. The superpowers program was designed to spotlight the strength and flexibility gains residents can achieve with the right tools, guidance, and encouragement. They set out to empower residents to discover their inner superpower through intentional training, and their outcomes were extraordinary.

Strength Superpowers:

Fitness Specialist Kiona Garza led the strength portion of the superpowers program. Kiona said “it has been a goal of mine to educate our residents about progressive overload and how the body can better adapt to gaining strength through it.” She added, “I know residents get comfortable with the weights they use but if they were to keep using the same weights they would become ineffective at helping them build strength”.

Kiona’s strength program was split into 3 phases: muscular endurance, hypertrophy, and strength. Using the leg press for their 3-rep max test, residents were challenged to increase their strength by at least 25% in two months. Every single one of her participants exceeded that goal and some even achieved as much as a 200% increase in strength.

One resident, Garret W., is a standout. Starting the program with a 115 pound 3-rep max, Garrett increased to 210 pounds which was an impressive 82.6% gain. He had a goal to get stronger for his trip to Israel to celebrate his 90th birthday, and not only did he meet that goal he exceeded expectations by navigating hills, rocky terrain, and stairs with ease. His tour guide was so impressed noting that he had never seen someone Garrett's age move with such agility and independence. Garrett is living proof that age is just a number when it comes to strength.

Flexibility: The Hidden Superpower

Flexibility is often overlooked in fitness training, but Jabbar Harris another one of our dedicated fitness specialists knew just how powerful it could be. He led the flexibility portion of the superpowers program and guided residents through regular stretching routines designed to safely increase their range of motion, and comfort. One of his participants, Olivia Q., experienced dramatic improvements going from four inches short of her toes to reaching two inches past them - that's a 150% increase in flexibility! She shared with Jabbar that performing the stretches most days of the week not only improved her flexibility but also alleviated soreness in her lower back! Olivia's lower back discomfort went from a self reported “seven” to a “three”. Since completing the Superpowers program, Olivia has continued to incorporate stretching into her daily routine to maintain her new superpower.  

The superpowers program wasn't about magic, it was about movement, mindset and momentum. This program truly helped the residents we serve realize that strength isn't reserved for the young, and flexibility isn't lost with age. Through education, encouragement, and personalized programming our fitness staff empowered residents to unlock their potential. To Kiona and Jabbar: thank you for your thoughtfulness and dedication to helping the residents that we serve discover just how powerful they are!

Did you know by the time we reach age 30 we have reached what is called our “peak bone mass”? According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, most of us will reach this peak between the ages of 25 and 30. As we age, it is imperative we are aware of the signs of Osteoporosis and how we can combat these symptoms and risk factors.  

It’s estimated eight million women and two million men in the U.S. live with Osteoporosis. But what is Osteoporosis and how can we minimize its risks? Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the odds of a fracture due to a fall. One in two women and one in four men will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis.  

This bone disease is typically referred to as a “silent disease.” Most people are unaware they are living with this disease until they end up seeing their doctor for a broken bone and receive the diagnosis. Another way Osteoporosis can be found is by a bone density scan where your bone mineral density will be measured. The most common test is what is called a DEXA scan. Results from this scan will give you a T-score to determine if you have Osteoporosis. Next, let’s get into treatments and even preventions to help manage and fight off this disease!  

While your doctor may suggest medications and supplements, another important factor in aiding the risks of Osteoporosis is exercise. Let’s dive into five key exercises someone living with Osteoporosis should know.  

High Knee Marches 

This simple yet effective exercise is great for adding light impact into your routine while building stronger bones. For safety, perform this exercise on a foam pad or soft flooring.  

How to: Standing with feet hip-distance apart. Bring your knee high, alternating this movement. Work up to one minute of marching.  

Brisk Walking Carrying Weight  

Make your daily walks into “bone healthy” walks by adding weight. This can be done with a backpack or even carrying dumbbells at your sides.  

How to: Start by adding five pounds to a tightly secured backpack. A brisk walk is walking somewhere between 2.75-3.5 mph.

Heel Drops  

Add this basic move into your routine for a safe impact movement. For safety, perform this exercise on a foam pad or soft flooring.  

How to: With support from a counter or chair, rise onto the balls of your feet and drop your heels to the ground with some force. Maintain slight bend in the knees. Perform 10 repetitions and complete 3 times throughout the day.   

Foot Stomps  

Adding purposeful foot stomps into your routine is another great exercise for a weight-bearing exercise that benefits your legs, ankles, and feet. For safety, perform this exercise on a foam pad or soft flooring.  

How to: Place feet slightly wider than shoulder-width. Alternating, bend the knees and stomp your feet down to the ground. Complete 10 stomps at least 3 times throughout the day. *With foot stomps, think of the force it would take to crush a Coke can. This will be your target force point. 

Resistance Exercises  

Lastly, resistance training with weights is one of the most effective ways of preventing bone loss and the risks of Osteoporosis. Weight training builds muscle strength and bone mass.  

How to: Follow a balanced routine that includes all major muscle groups, rest breaks, and correct form. Avoid high-risk exercises that include jerking or bouncing.  

Taking proactive steps through exercise can significantly reduce the risk and impact of Osteoporosis, helping to maintain bone strength and overall health. How can you incorporate these 5 simple exercises into your everyday routine to fight off Osteoporosis? 

Picture this: You're gliding effortlessly across a small trampoline, the rhythmic bouncing sending a gentle wave of energy through your body. This isn't just some childhood fantasy; it's rebounding, a low-impact exercise gaining popularity among senior citizens for its myriad health benefits.

Unlike traditional exercises that can strain joints and muscles, rebounding is surprisingly gentle. The trampoline's bouncy surface absorbs the impact, allowing you to engage in a full-body workout without putting undue stress on your body.

Why Rebounding is a Perfect Fit for Seniors

As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to the effects of inactivity. Osteoporosis, weakened muscles, and diminished balance are just a few of the challenges older adults face. Rebounding tackles these issues head-on, offering a safe and effective way to improve overall health and fitness.

1. Cardiovascular Health Boost: Rebounding gets your heart pumping, increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to your vital organs. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

2. Bone Density Enhancement: The weight-bearing nature of rebounding stimulates bone growth, combating osteoporosis, a common concern among seniors.

3. Balance and Coordination Improvement: Rebounding challenges your vestibular system, which controls balance. This can help prevent falls, a major risk factor for older adults.

4. Stress Reduction and Anxiety Relief: Rebounding releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that elevate mood and reduce stress. This can also improve sleep quality, a crucial factor for overall well-being.

5. Muscle Strengthening and Endurance: Rebounding engages all major muscle groups, leading to increased strength and endurance. This improves overall fitness and mobility, making everyday tasks easier.

6. Weight Management: Rebounding burns calories, aiding in weight loss or maintenance. This is particularly beneficial for seniors who may be struggling with weight-related health issues.

7. Mental Function Enhancement: Rebounding increases blood flow to the brain, boosting cognitive function and improving memory, concentration, and mood.

Facts About the Safe Use of a Rebounder

Rebounding is a safe form of exercise for most people, including senior citizens. However, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. It is also important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that allow freedom of movement. If you have any health concerns, talk to your doctor before starting a rebounding program.

Here are some additional tips for safely using a rebounder:

• Use a rebounder with a sturdy frame and a padded surface.
• Place the rebounder on a level surface in a well-lit area.
• Hold onto the handlebars for support when you are first getting started.
• Land gently on the balls of your feet.
• Listen to your body and stop if you feel pain.

Embrace the Bounce: Elevate Your Senior Fitness

Rebounding is more than just exercise; it's a gateway to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. Seniors who embrace rebounding often experience a newfound sense of vitality, relaxation, and mental clarity.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a rebounder, put on your favorite music, and let's bounce our way to better health!

You might have heard that yoga is great for flexibility and a great opportunity to meditate. Beyond those benefits, there is much more to yoga than one might think. As a yogi myself, I have been consistently practicing this exercise for 9 months and have seen great changes in my mental health as well as physical changes. This form of exercise challenges me to tap into my inner strength and capabilities each time I step onto my mat. This practice pushes me to become the best version of myself, both physically and mentally.

Practicing yoga is great for overall mental and physical health, and when you practice it consistently, it is easy to see those changes not just in your physical capabilities, but also your mental awareness. Science and research show how yoga improves health, heals our muscles, and relieves joint aches and pains. Let’s dive into some of the benefits that yoga offers to someone who incorporates this practice into their life.

Increases Strength

Yoga is a great form of exercise for strengthening and building muscle, as well as increasing endurance. Yoga increases whole-body strength, but especially in areas we tend to neglect, like the core, lower back, and glute areas. When these areas of our body are strong, it protects us from injury and pain.

Improves Posture

Sitting at a desk all day and having a career that might put a strain on your neck and back can cause poor posture. Different yoga poses may reverse the effects that day-to-day activities may have on our bodies.

Relaxes Your System

Yoga encourages slow breathing and relaxation, all while focusing on the present. As our system slows down, the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” system, turns on. This decreases blood pressure while increasing blood flow to all the major organs in our bodies. In addition to yoga encouraging your body to relax, it can also ease the mind, slowing down daily stressors, fear, and worries. In time when you practice shutting off your racing mind, you are more likely to live a healthier and longer life.

Regulates Your Adrenal Glands

Yoga is known to lower cortisol levels. When a person has too much cortisol in their body, it may affect memory, cause depression, worsen osteoporosis, and cause high blood pressure. When cortisol levels spike up, people crave foods when they are angry, tired, stressed, or upset. This causes an increase in the amount of calories people consume, as well as weight gain.

Local to Indianapolis? NIFS offers yoga as a group fitness class. Read this blog to learn more about choosing the right class, see the Group Fitness Schedule for times, and join us for a workout that brings many physical and mental benefits.