Cardio Dance Routines May Improve Memory
I became interested in cardio dance, and memory several years ago when my older students began to tell me that their memories seemed to improve after they took my class.
I was teaching mostly cardio dance in those days. I started with simple steps and built up to a pretty complex routine.
There has to be a connection I thought, between the physical movement, making your brain learn this routine, and improved memory.
I’m no scientist but I was curious. So I started to break it down.
What I was having people do is learn short phrases of movement and then link them together. The cardio dance routine required them to move forward and back, side to side, remember specific steps; and stay in rhythm.
This was a real challenge for many of my students who had never done anything like this before. As they got more proficient, the class became a social gathering; because of this shared experience.
My students felt energized afterwards, not exhausted. They told me that besides getting a good body workout they were getting a memory workout as well. They said they could actually remember things better.
I wondered if there was science to support our anecdotal experience.
I contacted a couple of local Alzheimer’s specialists (there was no internet back then) and they told me – you’re probably right but there weren’t any specific studies on this more than 20 years ago.
Even now the research is not conclusive. But, technology in the last 15 years has allowed science to discover a lot more about the brain.
Vascular memory loss has been linked to heart disease and cardio fitness is a major factor in preventing and managing that issue. Aerobic exercise increases the amount of oxygen supplied to the brain improving mental function. Cardio fitness has been shown to reduce loss of brain cells in older adults.
A study of 1,449 older adults shows those who in middle age exercised vigorously enough to perspire and breathe hard for 20 to 30 minutes at least twice a week reduced their risk of later developing Alzheimer’s disease by about 60 percent.*
But cardio is just part of the equation.

Research published in the  New England Journal of Medicine suggests that certain types of dance, particularly with routines to learn and remember, may help prevent age-onset memory loss and diseases like Alzheimer’s. “…. cognitive activity may stave off dementia by increasing a person’s “cognitive reserve.” **
And a study conducted at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, says activities that combined mental and social as well as physical stimulation offered the greatest protection against dementia
Activity is the active word. Be physically active, mentally active and socially active, preferably all at once. In these times of Gym Closures and Social Distancing, it can be pretty tough to get and stay fit.  But take a look at my New Online Workout Club. We have 32 workouts  and more coming.“It’s time to workout our hearts and minds!”

Here is a easy cardio dance video:

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Health Coaching Online: On Skype or Phone    In these times of Gym Closures and Social Distancing, it can be pretty tough to get and stay fit.  In your last annual check-up (before the corona virus pandemic) your doc says “whoops your blood pressure is up and you’re 15 pounds heavier than last year. I’ll give you some meds, but you’ll have to lose weight and get into shape, OK?

You say OK, you walk out and then what?

At that time you may have joined a gym, hired a personal trainer, gone on a diet, or taken a walk? You might have done one or several of these because, after all, you knew you had to do something. Right? But how long was it till you threw up your hands and said, “ugh, I got started and now I’m off the track again.

What went wrong? Maybe nothing, except you might not have been psychologically ready to take those steps.

And now because we have some free time on our hands you might be thinking about what you can do to really make those healthy changes stick for the rest of your life. 

If you need some help, I have your back! Here’s a short video about my Health Coaching Technique                    

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In these times of Gym Closures and Social Distancing, it can be pretty tough to get and stay fit. Exercise is as important as ever, maybe more important
But you need to Exercise Smart
Convenient 24/7 online access on your Computer, Tablet, Smart Phone or TV, (via HDMI) to the Workouts you need
Get a full year membership now to this Online Workout Club for just $49.50 (50% off regular price limited time)
Visit MovingFreeWithMirabai.com
Click NEW JOIN WORKOUT CLUB
Select TOTAL MEMBERSHIP: ALL ACCESS Use discount code FAB at checkout, and get ready to ease into the best shape of your life

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Planet Rush: Art of Health! For Our Souls.

During these times  when we are knowing that staying apart is our message to each other to staying together and overcoming this disease. Please stay Healthy and Safe.

So here is a digital painting and a poem expressing all that I hope for all of us.!.
PLANET RUSH

Just like people planets have their challenges and obstacles.

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Exercise lubricates your joints and keeps them mobile which is great for arthritis sufferers. Many of us Baby Boomers develop Arthritis as we get older. But in most cases it doesn’t have to be a ticket to inactivity. According to the National Arthritis foundation,

“If you have arthritis or a related condition, exercise is especially important.”

National Arthritis Foundation

It also strengthens the muscles and the cartilage around your joints which helps to protect and keep them usable. Many people with arthritis don’t exercise because of pain. This is a natural reaction, but one that’s important to overcome because lack of exercise can stiffen joints, worsen pain, and eventually immobilize you. Starting slowly, and carefully exercising joints and related muscles can improve your ability to perform daily tasks with improved range of motion and less pain.

People with arthritis can do all three major components of fitness training:
Cardio, Strength and Flexibility. The main modifications are;

• Proceed slowly
• Although some exercises will not be entirely pain-free, never continue to exercise in great pain.
• Longer warm-up and cool-down (5-10 minutes)
• For some applying ice or heat before you start can help relieve pain and soreness. Check with your doctor.

“My Dad had severe rheumatoid arthritis. I designed a Moving Free^® exercise program for him and worked with him for several months. It brought him so much relief that he brought the program to the attention of the National Arthritis Foundation. I was proud to become one of their exercise consultants.”
Mirabai Holland, MFA

About Arthritis

About one in three adults has some form of arthritis. According to the National Arthritis Foundation “Baby boomers are now at prime risk. More than half those affected are under age 65.”

There are several forms of Arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis: Most common form of arthritis causing joint cartilage to deteriorate over time until bone rubs upon bone.
• Rheumatoid: An autoimmune disease which causes inflammation of joint linings.
• Lupus: Can destroy the body’s connective tissue.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: a spinal arthritis which causes vertebrate to grow together due to inflammation.
• Scleroderma: A condition which thickens and hardens the skin.
• Fibromyalgia: Causes aching muscles and connective tissue.
• Juvenile arthritis: Various forms of arthritis that occur in children.

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You get 21 videos including NEW Ballet Barre Workout With Chair. We will be adding more videos as we complete themExercise when it’s convenient for YOU with 24/7 access. View on Computer, Mobile Devices, & Your TV via HDMI cable or Apple video
Regular Price: $99 a year.
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Your host for this year’s Halloween Edition of Fashion Flash is yours truly FABULOUSITY TM  THE SPIRIT OF WELLNESS (aka Mirabai Holland).

The Fashion Flash Ladies and I have scared up some spooky good makeup, skincare, fashion, travel, fitness, and all around healthy living treats that are sure to do the trick.

BOO!

Do you want an idea for a Halloween costume?  Or maybe you just want to add a dramatic flair to your outfits.  Either way, Angie gives you all the deets for “How to Create Your Own Beautiful Steampunk Style” at Your True Self Blog!

Bone health is crucial at every age, but it’s a particularly important focus for women who are going through menopause, when estrogen levels drop and bones get thinner and weaker. I participated in an incredible event last week to talk about bone health and osteoporosis prevention with a fabulous group of women and medical experts. Here are some of the most important need-to-know take-aways from the event.  

Don’t let one night ruin the 364 other days you baby your delicate skin. Jackie from Jackie Silver Style shares her Halloween makeup tips that won’t be a nightmare for your complexion.

Inka of Glamour Granny Travels takes you to one of France’s most beautiful cities: Bordeaux.

For the ladies of Beauty Info Zone, there’s nothing quite like Paula’s Choice. Their latest serum has us craving even more from the brand. Be sure you check out Berry Power Serum

Stacie from The Makeup Obsessed Mom has a quick and easy way to cover gray hairs that pop up between colorings.

50% OFF 1st YEAR TOTAL ACCESS ($49.95) DISCOUNT CODE: FAB

NEW! Mirabai Holland’s Online On-Demand
ALL ACCESS Video Workout Club for 50+

You get 21 videos including NEW Ballet Barre Workout With Chair. We will be adding more videos as we complete themExercise when it’s convenient for YOU with 24/7 access. View on Computer, Mobile Devices, & Your TV via HDMI cable or Apple video
Regular Price: $99 a year.
Click to Get 50% Off. Use Discount Code: Fab at Checkout.

For more health and fitness information and at home exercise programs please visit www.mirabaiholland.com

EASE IN, BECOME MOBILE, GET STRONG, LIVE LONG!  Healthy Life

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Orthopedic Injuries: Prehab To Avoid Rehab

By Mirabai Holland, MFA, EP-C, CHC Industry Expert

Orthopedic Injuries. Here’s one of mine. This picture is real. It was taken by my husband a few years ago.  That’s me unable to lower my arm without passing out. I’m on the phone with my orthopedist. Orthopedic Injuries are a real drag. This one took me 3 months to rehab.

Nobody wants to grow old, least of all boomers. But we’re turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 a day, and will be for the next 17 years.

We’re running a little scared. We want longevity, but we’re scared of losing our mobility and independence. So we’re trying to stay active, or get active, in order to avoid decrepitude. With that many older bodies on the move, orthopedic injuries are on the rise. Once you’re injured, there’s excellent treatment and rehab available

But there is a lot you can do to prevent orthopedic injuries. If you want to stay active and mobile in the second half of your life, consider prehab today to avoid rehab tomorrow. Here’s a quick video to tell you more:

Who gets up in the morning thinking: I feel like getting a nice orthopedic injury today. What can I do to help that along? But we have them anyway, even if we’re disease free. We over use our bodies or use them wrong. We break hips and legs. We get strains and sprains. We get hurt at work, at home or playing sports.

Vintage Bodies Prone For Orthopedic Injuries 

No matter how active we’ve been, our bodies are not the same as they were when we were younger. They’ve got miles on them. And like vintage cars, it’s not wise to drive them flat out. Those of us, who’ve used our bodies for a living, know we’ve had to make adjustments for our aging muscles and joints. Many of us are favoring old injuries that have left those body parts weakened and vulnerable.

We may be nursing over use injuries from repetitive actions. These can be anything from back problems from years of standing all day, to shoulder issues from years of manual labor, to carpal tunnel syndrome from constant mouse pushing. But it doesn’t have to take years. Raking leaves, shoveling snow or playing tennis all weekend when you’re out of shape can be an express ticket to Overuse Ville. And being overweight puts extra stress on your musculoskeletal system. But, there’s a simple fix that can reduce your risk for orthopedic injuries, give you more energy, stamina and even help you live longer

Prehab to Avoid Orthopedic Injuries

Two Types of Prehab

There are two main types: general and sport-specific.

General Prehab for Daily Life

Every day, we run for the bus or the phone, load groceries in the car, pick up children or pets and a million other things we take for granted. These all carry a risk for injury and I’ll bet we can all remember being injured doing them. Luckily for most of us the, injuries were limited to a little pull or sprain. But people do fall and break bones, dislocate limbs, have heart attacks and worse because they’re not fit enough for that activity at that moment. Being inactive and overweight adds to the mix. A simple fitness and weight management program may be all you need to help prevent orthopedic injuries during everyday activities.

General rehab for daily living as part of a personal wellness program: looks at the body as a whole, and develops it as a whole to maximize quality of life. This often includes strength training, cardio conditioning and core training, as well as some proprioceptive exercises.

Avoid Orthopedic Injuries with Fall Prevention

Falls are the number one cause of injury death in people over 65. One in three people 65 plus will experience a fall each year. And poor proprioception, not knowing where your body is in space is a leading cause of falls. Proprioception degrades with age but proprioceptive exercise can slow that down and help prevent falls. Add exercises like Tai Chi, and balancing exercises to your fitness routine. They feel great to do and can help keep you vertical into old age.

Sport-Specific Prehab is designed to get you ready for the rigors of a particular sport or physical endeavor. Good activity specific exercises pay special attention to the body parts most involved in that activity or sport with regard to use and form.0

without ignoring the concept of training the body as a whole. Sport specific training is available at many gyms and community centers.

So I hope you’ve become a believer in the little proverb I’ve coined to remind my clients “An ounce of prehab is worth a pound of rehab.”

For more info on women health and fitness and at home exercise programs come and visit me at www.mirabaiholland.com and be Fabulous Forever!

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