Movement Is Medicine: Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease

Movement Is Medicine: Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, coordination, and often mood and cognition. While the diagnosis can feel overwhelming, the good news is that there is something profoundly powerful within reach for those living with Parkinson’s: movement.

At Choose2Be Health and Fitness, we believe that movement is medicine, and there’s strong research and lived experience to back it up. For individuals with Parkinson’s, exercise doesn’t just support quality of life—it can literally slow the progression of symptoms, retrain the brain, and restore a sense of autonomy. I am also Certified Parkinson Wellness Recovery.

Let’s dive into what Parkinson’s is, why movement matters, and how fitness professionals, caregivers, and individuals themselves can create empowering routines that make a real difference.


Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson Iceberg of symptoms Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic condition that primarily affects the nervous system. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine—a neurotransmitter involved in movement, mood, and motivation—become damaged or die. The cause is often unknown, although both genetic and environmental factors may play a role.

Common motor symptoms:

  • Tremors (shaking, usually starting in the hands)

  • Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)

  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity

  • Impaired posture and balance

  • Difficulty with walking or coordination

Non-motor symptoms:

  • Fatigue

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Cognitive changes (memory, planning, multitasking)

  • Digestive issues

Parkinson’s affects each person differently, and symptoms tend to progress over time. However, the brain is adaptive—and that’s where movement becomes so critical.


Why Movement Matters for Parkinson’s

drawing of person with symptoms of Parkinson in bubble around personThe phrase “movement is medicine” isn’t just a catchy slogan—it’s a deeply evidence-based approach to managing Parkinson’s.

1. Neuroplasticity: Retraining the Brain

One of the most exciting findings in neuroscience is the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. For people with Parkinson’s, this means that intentional movement and exercise can help re-route motor control, improve coordination, and maintain function even as dopamine levels decline.

Studies show that repetitive, focused movements stimulate brain regions that promote balance, coordination, and reaction time. Over time, these new patterns can compensate for what’s been lost.


2. Improved Mobility, Strength & Balance

image of Parkinson symptomsExercise helps strengthen the muscles that support posture and gait—both of which are typically affected by Parkinson’s. Regular movement can also reduce rigidity, making it easier to perform daily tasks such as dressing, getting in and out of a chair, or walking through a doorway.

Many clients with Parkinson’s find that they move better after they move more—a sign that the body responds positively to activation.


3. Reduced Risk of Falls

Falls are one of the biggest concerns for people living with Parkinson’s. Poor balance, slowed reflexes, and postural instability all contribute. Balance-focused training (e.g., tai chi, yoga, agility drills, or proprioception work) can significantly reduce fall risk by training the body’s stabilizing systems and increasing confidence.


4. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Exercise is a proven mood booster. For people with Parkinson’s, it can help manage depression, anxiety, and apathy. Movement releases endorphins, supports sleep, and provides a sense of accomplishment and control. It’s also a powerful social outlet—joining a Parkinson’s-specific class or walking group can reduce isolation and foster community.


5. Cognitive Function and Focus

Research has shown that aerobic exercise, in particular, can improve executive function, memory, and processing speed in people with Parkinson’s. Moving the body increases blood flow to the brain, supporting overall brain health.


Best Types of Movement for Parkinson’s

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but the most effective movement programs for Parkinson’s are:

Regular

Consistency is key. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity movement, including cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and balance components.

Challenging

Exercise should push the person safely outside of their comfort zone—this is where neuroplasticity kicks in.

Progressive

Over time, activities should increase in complexity or intensity to stimulate continued adaptation.

Specific

Targeting known problem areas (like hip flexors, shoulders, or postural muscles) can prevent deterioration.

Enjoyable

If movement isn’t fun or rewarding, it won’t be sustainable. That’s why we emphasize joyful movement at Choose2Be.


Top Movement Modalities for Parkinson’s:

  1. stage of Parkinson from image of person walking, then with cane, with walker and finally in wheelchair

    Boxing (non-contact): Improves reaction time, agility, and coordination. Programs like Rock Steady Boxing have shown great results.

  2. Tai Chi & Qi Gong: Excellent for balance, body awareness, and calm focus.

  3. Dance (especially tango or rhythmic movement): Enhances coordination, memory, and mood.

  4. Strength Training: Preserves muscle mass, improves posture, and supports daily function.

  5. Walking & Nordic Pole Walking: Encourages rhythm, stride length, and aerobic conditioning.

  6. Cycling (stationary or tandem): Great for cardio and lower-body strength, often easier than walking for some.

  7. Yoga & Pilates: Builds core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement awareness.

  8. Voice & breath exercises: Since Parkinson’s can affect speech and swallowing, vocal training is also important.


Tips for Getting Started Safely

If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s and hasn’t been very active, start slowly and seek support:

  • Work with a knowledgeable trainer or physical therapist who understands Parkinson’s.

  • Focus on posture and core control to reduce strain on the lower back and knees.

  • Use visual and auditory cues to initiate movement (clapping, counting, music).

  • Make space safe (clear pathways, install grab bars if needed, avoid slippery surfaces).

  • Start with shorter sessions (10–15 minutes) and build from there.

  • Celebrate every win, no matter how small.


How Choose2Be Can Support You

At Choose2Be, we believe movement is a form of empowerment. We work with individuals living with chronic conditions—including Parkinson’s—to build personalized, joyful, and sustainable fitness routines that support healing from the inside out.

Whether it’s one-on-one training, small group movement classes, breathwork, or restorative mobility, we’re here to walk alongside you and help you discover what your body can do.

Our team is trauma-informed, inclusive, and experienced in adaptive fitness. We meet you where you are—and help you take the next step forward.


Final Thoughts

A Parkinson’s diagnosis doesn’t mean life stops moving. In fact, the more you move, the more power you give yourself back. Through intentional movement, you can retrain your brain, protect your mobility, boost your mood, and connect with your body in new ways.

Movement is not just about fitness—it’s about freedom.

If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s, reach out. Let’s build a plan that keeps you strong, grounded, and empowered—one step, one stretch, one breath at a time.

Check out this post The Importance of Balance as We Age: A Comprehensive Guide to Staying Steady and Strong 2024. There are some videos of one of my client with Parkinson.


Need help getting started? Contact Choose2Be for a movement consultation

Why Rotational Movement Matters: Unlocking Human Potential with Torsion, Rotation & Rope Flow

Why Rotational Movement Matters: Unlocking Human Potential with Torsion, Rotation & Rope Flow

Have you ever felt stuck—literally? Tight in your hips, restricted in your spine, or unstable through your core? Traditional linear workouts—while effective in some ways—often leave out a crucial element of human movement: rotation.

As a newly certified Rotational Movement Specialist through training with Dustin K, I’m excited to share this powerful, game-changing approach that’s already transforming how I move—and how I train others.

Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone recovering from injury, understanding rotational movement and torsional training can help you unlock fluidity, power, and resilience in your body.

What Is Rotational Movement?

Rotational movement refers to any action that involves turning or twisting around an axis—think of throwing a ball, reaching across your body, swinging a bat, or even walking. Rotation is a fundamental part of gait mechanics, spinal health, and core integration. Yet in many training environments, it’s overlooked in favor of isolated or linear movement patterns.

Incorporating rotation means training your body to move in 3 dimensions, not just forward and back or up and down. This is where torsion, spiral dynamics, and rope movement flow come into play.

Why Rotation Is Essential for Human Movement

Our bodies were designed to rotate. Every step we take involves rotation through the pelvis, spine, and shoulders. When we reach for something, twist to look behind us, or play with our kids, we’re engaging our rotational chain.

Neglecting rotation in training can lead to:

  • Decreased mobility and stiffness

  • Poor posture

  • Increased risk of injury

  • Compensatory patterns

  • Limited athletic performance

The antidote? Rotational movement training—a dynamic, fascia-focused, and neurologically rich approach to movement.

The Role of Torsion in Functional Movement

Torsion refers to the spiral loading and unloading that happens naturally through our fascial lines and joints. Think of wringing out a towel: when you twist it, tension builds—and when released, energy flows.

In the human body, torsion helps:

  • Load fascia and muscles more efficiently

  • Stabilize joints through rotational tension

  • Generate elastic recoil (think: slingshot power)

  • Coordinate upper and lower body movement

  • Improve athletic performance and reactive strength

In other words, torsion is the language of connective tissue, and training it rewires the body to move more efficiently and powerfully.

Rope Movement Flow: Reawakening Coordination and Rhythm

One of the most accessible and engaging tools in rotational movement training is rope flow.

Rope flow is a practice that uses a simple rope (often made from soft, weighted material) to integrate timing, rhythm, cross-body movement, and fluid rotation.

It’s not about speed or strength—it’s about flow.

Practicing rope flow:

  • Improves coordination and timing between brain and body

  • Enhances rotation through the spine, shoulders, and hips

  • Strengthens the core and stabilizers without strain

  • Reinforces healthy gait patterns and cross-crawl mechanics

  • Builds mindfulness and body awareness

As Dustin K. emphasized during the certification, rope movement isn’t just a warm-up or a “cool skill”—it’s a neuromechanical reset that prepares the entire body for movement in the real world.

Who Can Benefit from Rotational Movement Training?

Rotational movement isn’t just for athletes—it’s for everyone with a spine.

This method is particularly useful for:

  • Desk workers with tight hips and stiff thoracic spines

  • People recovering from injury, especially those with back, shoulder, or hip issues

  • Older adults looking to maintain balance and fluidity

  • Athletes in sports like tennis, golf, martial arts, soccer, and dance

  • Lifters wanting to increase rotational stability and decrease joint stress

By training in spirals instead of straight lines, we help the body remember how to move as a whole, connected system.

The Difference Between Rotational Training and Traditional Workouts

Traditional strength and conditioning programs often focus on sagittal plane movements: squats, deadlifts, presses, planks. These are valuable—but they’re not the full picture.

Rotational training fills the gap by working in all three planes of motion:

  1. Sagittal (front to back)

  2. Frontal (side to side)

  3. Transverse (rotational)

When we neglect the transverse plane, we miss a huge part of how the body creates stability, power, and resilience. Integrating rotational movement and torsion into your training opens up new levels of performance and freedom.

What Makes a Rotational Movement Specialist Different?

As a certified Rotational Movement Specialist, I bring a lens of spiral mechanics, fascia-informed training, and nervous system awareness into every session. I don’t just look at muscles—I look at how your body moves as a coordinated system.

Whether we’re using ropes, bands, ground-based patterns, or loaded spiral movements, my goal is to help you:

  • Restore natural movement patterns

  • Build rotational strength and fluidity

  • Reduce joint pain and stiffness

  • Improve balance, posture, and gait

  • Reclaim confidence and freedom in your body

This isn’t about “doing more”—it’s about moving smarter and truer to your design.

How to Get Started

Here are a few ways to start exploring rotational movement:

  1. Try Rope Flow – Start with basic underhand and overhand patterns. Practice outside with music and enjoy the rhythm.

  2. Incorporate Rotation into Daily Moves – Add torso twists, hip circles, and spiral lunges to your warm-up or cooldown.

  3. Work with a Specialist – If you’re in the [Choose2Be] community, reach out to book a session with me and experience the method firsthand.

  4. Be Curious About Your Body – Pay attention to how you move when walking, dancing, or even doing chores. Where are you stiff? Where do you resist rotation?

Final Thoughts: Spiral In, Spiral Out

The body is a spiral system. From the DNA in our cells to the way our muscles wrap around bones, we are designed to twist, rotate, and unwind.

Rotational movement training taps into this ancient intelligence—helping us move better, feel better, and live with more ease.

If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your body, stuck in pain cycles, or just bored with traditional training, it might be time to spin things differently. Spiral into movement. Spiral into flow. You might be surprised at what opens up.

Want to experience it yourself?
Reach out today to book a rotational movement session or try a rope flow practice with me. Let’s restore the way your body was meant to move—fluid, dynamic, and whole.

The Power of Kettlebell Training: Benefits, Key Moves, and Why It’s Different from Traditional Weight Training

The Power of Kettlebell Training: Benefits, Key Moves, and Why It’s Different from Traditional Weight Training

Kettlebell training has been gaining popularity for good reason—it’s an incredibly effective and versatile tool for building strength, endurance, and mobility. Unlike traditional weightlifting, kettlebell exercises engage multiple muscle groups at once, making them a powerful addition to any fitness routine.

At Choose2be in Nanaimo, I integrate kettlebells into my coaching practice to help clients develop full-body strength, enhance their mobility, and build functional fitness. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve athletic performance, or simply feel better in your body, kettlebells can be a game-changer.

kettlebell certificate

What Makes Kettlebells Different from Traditional Weights?

Many people wonder how kettlebells differ from dumbbells and barbells. The answer lies in their unique shape and center of mass. A kettlebell has a handle that extends away from the weight, allowing for dynamic, swinging movements that you wouldn’t typically do with a dumbbell. This off-centered weight distribution forces your stabilizer muscles to work harder, improving coordination, balance, and core strength.

Unlike traditional weight training, which often isolates specific muscle groups, kettlebell exercises require integrated, full-body movement. This makes kettlebell training a time-efficient and highly effective way to build strength, power, endurance, and mobility all at once.

Key Benefits of Kettlebell Training

  1. Full-Body Strength and Conditioning
    Kettlebell exercises recruit multiple muscle groups, helping you build functional strength that translates into real-world movements.

  2. Cardiovascular Endurance
    Unlike traditional strength training, kettlebell workouts elevate your heart rate, improving your aerobic and anaerobic capacity.

  3. Core Strength and Stability
    Almost every kettlebell move challenges your core, helping to develop a stronger, more stable midsection.

  4. Mobility and Flexibility
    Kettlebell movements promote joint health and flexibility, particularly in the shoulders, hips, and spine.

  5. Improved Grip Strength
    The thicker handle and dynamic nature of kettlebell exercises challenge your grip strength, which is essential for overall fitness.

  6. Time Efficiency
    Because kettlebell exercises work multiple muscles at once, you get more done in less time, making it perfect for busy individuals.

  7. Injury Prevention and Rehab
    The functional nature of kettlebell training helps improve movement patterns, reducing the risk of injury.


How I Use Kettlebells at Choose2be

In my fitness coaching practice in Nanaimo, I use kettlebells to help clients build strength, improve mobility, and enhance endurance. I incorporate them into both one-on-one training sessions and group workouts, tailoring exercises to each person’s fitness level and goals.

Kettlebells are a fantastic tool for all fitness levels, whether you’re a beginner looking to build a solid foundation or an advanced athlete wanting to refine your technique and build explosive power.


Essential Kettlebell Exercises

1. Kettlebell Swing

The kettlebell swing is the foundation of kettlebell training. It builds explosive power in the hips, strengthens the posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings, lower back), and provides a fantastic cardiovascular workout.

How to Perform:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, kettlebell on the floor in front of you.

  • Hinge at the hips, grab the kettlebell with both hands, and hike it back between your legs.

  • Explosively drive your hips forward, swinging the kettlebell up to chest level.

  • Let the kettlebell swing back down between your legs and repeat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Lifting with the arms instead of using the hips.

  • Rounding the lower back—engage the core to protect the spine.


2. Kettlebell Clean

The clean is an essential move for safely bringing the kettlebell into the racked position, preparing for presses and squats.

How to Perform:

  • Start with the kettlebell between your feet.

  • Hinge at the hips and grab the kettlebell with one hand.

  • Explosively pull it up, keeping it close to your body.

  • Rotate your wrist as the kettlebell lands softly in the rack position (forearm against the body, kettlebell resting on the upper arm).

Tip: Keep your elbow tucked to avoid banging the kettlebell against your forearm.


3. Kettlebell Clean & Press

A powerful combination of strength and coordination, the clean & press builds upper body and core strength.

How to Perform:

  • Perform a kettlebell clean to the racked position.

  • Press the kettlebell overhead, keeping your core engaged.

  • Lower it back to the racked position and repeat.


4. Kettlebell Jerk

The jerk is an explosive overhead movement that helps develop power and endurance.

How to Perform:

  • Start in the racked position.

  • Perform a slight dip, then drive the kettlebell overhead using leg power.

  • Lock out the elbow and stabilize before lowering.


5. Turkish Get-Up (TGU)

The Turkish Get-Up is a full-body exercise that enhances stability, mobility, and strength. Make sure you check post The Turkish GetUp: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Compound Exercise.

How to Perform:

  • Lie on your back, holding the kettlebell overhead with one arm.

  • Slowly rise to a standing position while keeping the kettlebell overhead.

  • Reverse the movement to return to the starting position.

Tip: This move requires patience—control is more important than speed.


6. Kettlebell Windmill

The windmill is excellent for shoulder stability and core strength.

How to Perform:

  • Hold a kettlebell overhead with one arm.

  • Hinge at the hips, lowering the opposite hand toward the floor while keeping the kettlebell overhead.

  • Engage your core and return to standing.


Why Kettlebells Are a Game-Changer for Your Fitness Journey

Incorporating kettlebells into your workouts can transform your strength, mobility, and endurance. Unlike machines or isolated exercises, kettlebells train the body as a connected system, improving overall movement quality.

At Choose2be in Nanaimo, I focus on helping clients build strong, resilient bodies through kettlebell training. Whether you’re new to kettlebells or looking to refine your skills, I can guide you through proper technique and programming to help you reach your goals.

Are you ready to unlock the power of kettlebells and take your fitness to the next level? Join me at Choose2be and start building strength, mobility, and endurance today!

Nordic Curls: The Ultimate Hamstring Strengthening Exercise

Nordic Curls: The Ultimate Hamstring Strengthening Exercise

Are you looking for a powerful, effective way to strengthen your hamstrings, prevent injuries, and improve your athletic performance? Look no further than Nordic curls. At Choose2Be, we’re passionate about promoting functional, science-backed exercises that empower your movement. The Nordic curl is one of the most effective bodyweight exercises for building eccentric hamstring strength, boosting stability, and supporting overall lower-body health.

In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of Nordic curls, how to do them correctly, and why you should incorporate them into your training routine—whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or someone who just wants stronger, healthier legs.

What Are Nordic Curls?

Nordic curls, also called Nordic hamstring curls or hamstring falls, are a bodyweight movement that primarily targets the hamstring muscles. The exercise involves kneeling down, anchoring your feet (under a sturdy object or held by a partner), and slowly lowering your upper body forward while resisting the motion with your hamstrings. It emphasizes eccentric contraction, which is the lengthening of a muscle under tension—a key factor in preventing injuries.

Top Benefits of Nordic Curls

1. Increase Eccentric Hamstring Strength

Nordic curls are one of the most effective exercises for targeting the hamstrings during the eccentric phase. This type of strength is essential for deceleration, sprinting, and stabilizing the knee joint. According to multiple studies, the Nordic hamstring exercise elicits the highest hamstring activation compared to other leg exercises.

2. Prevent Hamstring Injuries

Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries in sports. Nordic curls help reduce the risk of these injuries by improving muscle strength and length. In fact, research shows that regular Nordic curl training can reduce hamstring injuries by up to 51%, making it a must-have in any injury prevention plan.

3. Improve Sprinting and Athletic Performance

Stronger hamstrings improve sprint speed, acceleration, and explosive power. Nordic curls enhance your ability to perform quick, powerful movements required in sports like soccer, rugby, football, and track.

4. Support Knee and Hip Stability

Your hamstrings play a crucial role in stabilizing your knees and hips. Nordic curls strengthen these muscles, which can help reduce joint pain, correct muscular imbalances, and improve functional movement patterns.

5. Accessible, Minimal Equipment Needed

Nordic curls are great because they don’t require any expensive gym equipment. You can do them at home using a partner or by anchoring your feet under a heavy object. They’re a fantastic addition to any home workout or minimalist fitness routine.

How to Perform a Nordic Curl

  1. Kneel on a padded surface.
  2. Secure your ankles under a sturdy object or have a partner hold them down.
  3. Cross your arms over your chest or keep them at your sides.
  4. Engage your core and slowly lean forward, keeping your body in a straight line from head to knees.
  5. Lower yourself as far as you can under control. Catch yourself with your hands if needed.
  6. Push yourself back to the starting position (or reset if necessary).

Tip: If you’re a beginner, use a resistance band or an elevated surface to reduce the load and gradually build strength.

Progressions and Modifications

  • Assisted Nordic Curls – Use a resistance band or stability ball to help reduce the difficulty.
  • Eccentric-Only Nordic Curls – Focus on the lowering phase, then reset at the top.
  • Loaded Nordic Curls – Once strong, you can add a weighted vest to increase resistance.

How Often Should You Do Nordic Curls?

To see the best results:

  • Start with 1–2 sessions per week.
  • Perform 2–3 sets of 4–6 reps.
  • Focus on slow, controlled movement and proper form.

As your strength improves, gradually increase volume or difficulty. Nordic curls can be integrated into your leg day, injury-prevention routine, or warm-up for high-intensity training.

Who Should Do Nordic Curls?

  • Athletes in sports like soccer, football, hockey, rugby, and sprinting.
  • Fitness enthusiasts looking to increase leg strength and joint stability.
  • Rehabilitation clients working on hamstring injuries or knee stability.
  • Anyone looking for a powerful lower-body strength exercise.
Inspirational Note from Choose2Be

At Choose2Be, we believe in building strength from the inside out. The Nordic curl is more than just a challenging hamstring movement—it’s a symbol of resilience and body control. As you incorporate this powerful exercise into your routine, you’ll not only strengthen your muscles but also build confidence in your ability to move with purpose.

Take Action: Strengthen Your Body Today

Ready to take your fitness to the next level? Start by incorporating Nordic curls into your weekly workout. For more tips on how to perform them safely, modify for your level, or include them in a full-body program, reach out to us at Choose2Be.ca. Our expert coaches can help you build a personalized plan that fits your goals, your life, and your body.

Let your hamstrings work for you—not against you. Embrace the Nordic curl and unlock your lower body’s full potential!

 

Aging Gracefully: The Power of Strength Training and Mobility for a Vibrant Life – 2025

Aging Gracefully: The Power of Strength Training and Mobility for a Vibrant Life – 2025

Aging is an inevitable part of life, but how we age is within our control. The idea of “aging gracefully” isn’t just about looking younger—it’s about staying strong, mobile, and independent for as long as possible. Strength training and mobility exercises are two of the most powerful tools for maintaining quality of life as we age.

At Choose2Be, we specialize in personal training and coaching in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island, both in-person and online. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond, we create customized fitness programs to help you move better, feel stronger, and stay active. As a certified Medical Exercise Specialist and Parkinson’s Disease Trainer, I work with a variety of individuals, tailoring programs to their unique needs.

If you’re looking for a way to age gracefully, improve mobility, and maintain strength as you get older, this guide is for you.


women with gray hair with words aging gracefully writtenWhat Does Aging Gracefully Really Mean?

Aging gracefully doesn’t mean avoiding wrinkles or staying the same size you were in your 20s. It means:

✅ Staying active and strong so you can continue doing what you love.
✅ Maintaining mobility so you can move freely without stiffness or pain.
✅ Reducing the risk of falls, fractures, and injuries.
✅ Keeping your brain sharp and your confidence high.
✅ Living independently and feeling energized every day.

The key to all of this? Strength training and mobility exercises.


The Role of Strength Training in Aging Gracefully

Many people believe that lifting weights is only for bodybuilders or younger athletes. The truth is, strength training is essential for aging well. After age 30, we start losing muscle mass at a rate of 3-5% per decade if we don’t actively work to maintain it. This decline, known as sarcopenia, leads to:

❌ Weakness and fatigue
❌ Poor posture and balance issues
❌ Increased risk of falls and fractures
❌ Slower metabolism and weight gain
❌ Reduced bone density (higher risk of osteoporosis)

But the good news is, strength training can slow down or even reverse these effects!

2 women sitting together drinking out of tea cut laughing Benefits of Strength Training for Aging Gracefully

1️⃣ Preserves Muscle Mass & Strength
Lifting weights keeps muscles strong and functional, allowing you to continue daily activities like carrying groceries, climbing stairs, or playing with grandchildren.

2️⃣ Boosts Bone Density & Prevents Osteoporosis
Resistance training stimulates bone growth, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Strong bones mean fewer breaks and injuries as you age.

3️⃣ Enhances Balance & Reduces Fall Risk
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults. Strength training improves stability and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.

4️⃣ Supports Joint Health & Reduces Pain
Stronger muscles provide better support for joints, helping with conditions like arthritis and reducing stiffness and pain.

5️⃣ Improves Metabolism & Weight Management
Muscle burns more calories than fat. Strength training keeps metabolism high, making weight management easier even as metabolism naturally slows down.

6️⃣ Boosts Mental Health & Cognitive Function
Studies show that strength training reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while also improving memory and cognitive function.


face split in half one side young one side oldWhy Mobility Training is Just as Important as Strength Training

Mobility is often overlooked, but it is just as crucial as strength training for aging gracefully. Mobility refers to how well your joints move through their full range of motion. Without good mobility, daily tasks like bending, reaching, or getting up from a chair become difficult.

Benefits of Mobility Training for Aging Gracefully

Reduces stiffness and joint pain – Keeps the body moving smoothly.
Improves posture and alignment – Prevents hunched backs and rounded shoulders.
Enhances flexibility and coordination – Makes everyday movements easier.
Reduces risk of injury – Flexible muscles and mobile joints prevent strains and sprains.
Boosts longevity and independence – Keeps you moving with ease for years to come.

Mobility training includes dynamic stretching, yoga, joint rotations, and functional movements that improve flexibility and prevent stiffness.


How to Get Started with Strength & Mobility Training

Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond, it’s never too late to start. At Choose2Be, we design personalized programs to help you age gracefully, improve mobility, and build strength safely.

Strength Training for Aging Gracefully
  • Bodyweight exercises (squats, push-ups, lunges)
  • Resistance bands or light weights
  • Functional strength training (movements that mimic real-life activities)
  • Core training (planks, bridges, balance work)
Mobility Training for Aging Gracefully
  • Dynamic stretching (leg swings, arm circles)
  • Yoga & Pilates (great for flexibility and core strength)
  • Foam rolling & self-massage (reduces muscle tension)
  • Balance exercises (single-leg stands, stability drills)

Aging Gracefully with Choose2Be: Personal Training in Nanaimo & Online Coaching

At Choose2Be, I offer personal training and coaching in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, and online to help people of all ages stay strong, mobile, and independent.

Customized fitness plans tailored to your needs
Safe and effective exercises for all fitness levels
Specialized training for Parkinson’s Disease & Medical Exercise Therapy
One-on-one coaching in-person or online

Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve mobility, prevent injury, or simply stay active as you age, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Check out my post The Sit and Stand Test: A Predictor of Longevity and How to Safely Improve Your Results


Take Action: Start Aging Gracefully Today!

Aging gracefully is about staying active, strong, and mobile for as long as possible. Strength training and mobility exercises are the key to living a vibrant, independent life well into your later years.

If you’re in Nanaimo or anywhere on Vancouver Island and want to start personal training or online coaching, let’s connect! Together, we can create a program that helps you feel your best at any age.

Ready to take the first step?

➡️ Visit Choose2Be.ca to learn more.
➡️ Contact me today to book a free consultation!

Let’s embrace aging gracefully and stay strong for life!

Check out my post about The Vital Importance of Mental Health: In-Person and Online Therapy