The Oasis

Yes, you’ll get stronger and more toned – but those aren’t the only reasons to strength train. Scientists continue to discover benefits of strength training or resistance training. It can be done using light weights, elastic bands or even your own body weight (think wall push-ups, mini squats and calf raises). Here are four more good reasons to start.

1. IT REDUCES PAIN. A small study, published in the July 2012 International Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that men with rheumatoid arthritis affecting their knees had a 23 percent reduction in pain intensity after following a three-day-a-week strength-training program for eight weeks. Other studies show strength training relieves the pain of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, too. In the Oasis, the leg extension and seated-leg-curl machine will help with strengthening the muscles around the knee.
2. IT INCREASES RANGE OF MOTION. Another small study, published in the December 2011 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found that participants who practiced resistance training three days a week for five weeks had the same flexibility improvements as those who did a regular stretching routine. Stretching and strengthening are both important. Water aerobics can help with both.
3. IT BLASTS CALORIES – even when you’re not working out. Muscle burns calories, so adding muscle mass naturally amps up your calorie burn. In fact, an analysis of several studies, reported in the July-August 2012 Current Sports Medicine Reports, shows the number of calories you burn at rest rises about 7 percent after several weeks of resistance training.
4. IT BOOSTS BONE DENSITY. Women lose up to 50 percent of their bone tissue in their lifetime post-menopause. By age 65 or 70, men begin to lose bone mass at the same rate as women, according to the National Institutes of Health. Lifting weights can help slow that loss and increase bone density, according to a 2015 review in the scientific journal of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Seniors are often overwhelmed by all the different machines and other fitness tools a gym has to offer. However, a distinction can be made between two main kinds of exercises: free weight exercises and machine exercises. Machines can be very useful to anyone that wants to isolate a certain muscle. Free weights are dumbbells and barbells, and often people make use of both free weights and machines.

To start a workout program: You’ve probably heard people talk about reps and sets. Sets are the amount of times an exercise is done. Every set consists of reps (repetitions), which is the number of times the movement (for example bicep curls) are done 4-6 repetitions for strength training, 6-12 reps for muscle growth, 12-15 reps for toning the muscles and endurance. Another thing that is important, is to rest between sets. Rest as long as it takes to resume normal breathing again, which is usually, between 60 to 90 seconds. Most exercises are between 2 and 3 sets, and 8 to 12 reps, however, this depends on your goals and whatever feels good to you.

Safety is very important, so start off slow. Furthermore, proper form and good intensity is most important. It is recommended to consult your doctor before starting a workout program. Start slow, build up and stop doing an exercise as soon as it starts to feel uncomfortable or starts hurting.

Get trained. Make an afternoon appointment with Mary Hand to learn the best techniques for using free weights and the resistance equipment in the Oasis.

When you think of exercising your brain, do you think about Sudoku, crosswords, and other mental puzzles? Studies are beginning to demonstrate that we need to put down that pencil and stand up and go for a walk. Physical exercise is proven to be better for your brain health than memory quizzes.

Our brains need the stimulation of aerobic exercise; that is, exercises that raise your heart rate and respiration. Just 30 minutes a day 5 days a week (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity exercise can make a difference in mental as well as physical and emotional wellbeing.

That extra blood flow to the brain creates higher levels of BDNF, a protein that
stimulates brain cell healing and growth. Studies show persons that are physically active have less dementia/memory/Alzheimer issues.

Here at Kirby Pines, we have many opportunities for aerobic exercise: walking, water aerobics, sit and stand classes. In the Oasis, we have the recumbent bicycle, Nustep, and treadmill to give you a safe aerobic workout. For strengthening exercises, try the Tai Chi or yoga classes or free weights and resistance equipment in the Oasis.

So leave your puzzles behind and step it up to exercise your brain. See the schedule for an exercise class, you can enjoy or visit the Oasis anytime.

Are you ready to start walking for fitness? Follow these fitness tips to help you be successful. Walking is good medicine for any age, especially folks with arthritis. Walking has been proven to help with weight loss, stress control, increasing strength, and balance, as well as reducing pain. To improve your chances of success, try these five walking strategies:

1. Find a walking buddy. To maintain your program find someone to walk with. A walking buddy adds accountability and safety.
   • Make a walking date with your spouse. It could even be your four-legged best friend.
   • Join a walking group. (Walk with Ease program starts here at Kirby Pines in September).
   • Schedule your walks like you would a doctor’s appointment on your busy calendar.
2. Add variety to your walk. Don’t let it become routine. Take a different route at a different time of day. Pay attention to the wildlife and flowers. Walk with music to keep in step.
3. Get good shoes. The only equipment you really need for walking is the right pair of shoes. Look for deep and wide shoe forms made of cloth or smooth leather that are not so tight as to not rub your skin. A good quality running shoe is best. (You can walk in running shoes, but you can’t run in walking shoes). Select shoes without thick treads to prevent catching the bottom of your foot. Make sure shoes are proper width and roomy. Wear high-top athletic shoes for weak ankles. Flexible shoes help reduce stress on the knee while walking
4. Keep a Record. Record your accomplishments in a journal or calendar. Keeping track of how far, long, when and where you walk can be a real motivator. Begin with an attainable goal like 10 minutes for 3 days each week, then add 5 minutes to each walk the next week, and change your goals as you meet them. A pedometer or walking app on your phone or ”Fitbit” can be a real motivator. Post your accomplishments where you can see them and remember to reward yourself when you meet your goals with a purchase or event. (Avoid using food as a reward)
5. Throw out the excuses. The first excuse for not exercising is lack of time. If walking is made a priority, people can find the time. Other barriers like bad weather can be solved by walking the halls of Kirby or using the treadmill in the Oasis. If tiredness or achy joints are the problem, be determined to walk; just walk a shorter easier route. Even a 5-minute walk is better than no walk and may even give you energy to go longer. Have a backup plan, if you can’t walk on your usual schedule, make a plan B and reschedule. The more you walk, the more energy and strength you have and feel like walking.

Speaking of walking—Would you like to begin a walking program? If you can you walk at least ten minutes and desire to improve your overall health and well-being, the Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease Program will teach you how to safely make physical activity part of your everyday life. Walk with Ease offers support, information and tools to help you succeed. We will look at improving our posture and our gait. Balance and endurance are emphasized as well as making friends and learning our way around the hallways. Classes will begin September 17th for nine weeks meeting twice each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Arts & Crafts room at 1:30 and led by Mary Hand who is a trained Arthritis Foundation walking leader. Each meeting begins with a short discussion covering a topic related to exercise or arthritis, followed by a 10- to 40-minute walk that includes a warm-up and cool-down, stretches, and take home exercises that will build strength for walking. We will begin walking inside and with good weather, walking outside will be an option. The program will include a very helpful guidebook, lots of surprises, good camaraderie and special encouragements along the way. For newcomers to Kirby Pines, it’s a great way to meet your neighbors and learn your way around. We are especially looking for people who want to begin an exercise program, as well as graduates of the program who are always welcomed back and encouraged to bring a friend. Contact Life Enhancement Department or sign up in the Oasis.

Are you looking for an exercise that helps you lose weight, strengthen core and leg muscles, and easy to use? Try the recumbent bike in the Oasis:

The TRUE CS900 recumbent bike is comfortable, smooth, and quiet. The seat is easy to reach without stepping over the frame making it perfect for seniors or those rehabbing. Recumbent bikes provide gentle exercise to improve muscle strength, flexibility, posture and balance. A recumbent stationary bike provides a safe way to get a solid cardio workout; a good choice for weight loss. Always check with your doctor before incorporating a stationary bike into your exercise regimen.

Features: Our bike is equipped with a reclining seat that is easy-to-adjust and pedals with foot straps. The wheel is in front, not under the rider. Recumbent bikes work the abdominal, gluteal and hamstring muscles, helping to reduce lower back pain in a comfortable indoor climate. Riding a recumbent bike is a natural pain reliever and mood lifter due to the endorphins released during aerobic activity. It’s an excellent calorie burner, too.

Safety: Recumbent stationary bikes are safe for most people when used properly. Be careful boarding and exiting the recumbent bike. Skid-proof shoes (no sandals or slides) should be worn and feet need to stay inside the strap of the pedals while riding the bike. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking water before, during and after a cycling session. If you experience any pain, dizziness, shortness of breath or other signs of discomfort while riding a recumbent bike, stop riding immediately and contact your doctor.

Here are some more tips to help you avoid injury or discomfort:

Adjust the seat. When the pedal is at the lowest position, your leg should be almost, but not quite, straight. You shouldn’t have to strain or rock your hips to pedal. Your knees shouldn’t feel crunched when they’re at the top of the pedal stroke. Adjust the seat forward and back with the front bar under the seat and recline with the lever on the left.

Get to know the easy to read display panel. Begin pedaling to turn on the lighted display. (This model is self- generating: no plug) press GO to open settings. Keep pedaling at 30rpms to keep the display lit. The rider can easily change their resistance level on the electronic display (using up and down arrows) choosing from easy rides to challenging simulated uphill rides and everything in between with 30 levels.

Adjust the pedal straps so that your feet feel snug — but don’t let the straps cut off your circulation. The foot straps make riding much more comfortable and efficient than pedaling without them. Don’t pedal with just your toes to avoid foot and calf cramps. Instead, press from the ball of your foot and through your heel as you pump downward on the pedal, and pull up with the top of your foot on the upstroke.

Don’t hunch over to prevent neck pain, keep your chest up, shoulders back, ears in line with your shoulders, and belly button drawn in. Avoid rocking from side to side, or clenching the handlebars or jerking motion.

Get started. Your goal is smooth even peddling with at least 30 revolutions per minute. If you are new to exercise, begin with 10-15 minute workout at level 3 resistance and gradually build resistance levels and your time to 30 minutes.

Next time you are near the Oasis, come in and give the recumbent bike a spin. Make an appointment with Mary Hand. She will be glad to demonstrate the recumbent bike and the other equipment in the Oasis. Remember “Keep it moving.”

Getting over the hurdles together

Staying fit is vital for people of all ages especially seniors. Exercise increases flexibility, reduces pain and joint stiffness, improves balance and mobility along with strengthening, and weight control and lifts your spirit. To help you overcome some common excuses for skipping exercise, here are some helpful ideas from the Arthritis Foundation. Always check with your physician before starting a new exercise regimen.

Excuse #1: “I have no time to work out.” One thing about Kirby Pines is that there is always something to do here which can usurp time for exercise, Health experts recommend 5 times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes; that’s only 150 minutes weekly. Exercise classes are offered 5 days a week with lots of variety and the Oasis is open 24/7 for equipment workouts. Walk a few extra halls around Kirby Pines for a quick stroll at lunchtime, it all adds up.”

Excuse #2: “I’m in too much pain.” When you’re hurting already, it’s difficult to find the motivation to move. But mild activity can help to ease the ache. Before you try to exercise, listen to your body. Low impact exercise like water walking can take the pressure off your joints. If you use pain medication, choose a time to exercise when your meds are working at their best. Remember to always warm up to prepare the muscles. “You may literally want to use a heating pad to loosen up your muscles and ease the stiffness then follow that with 10 minutes of basic stretching.”

Excuse #3: “Working out is boring.” The key to sticking with an exercise program is finding something that you enjoy. Ask a friend or spouse to join you making exercise a social event. Another person will keep you accountable and less likely to skip. If your pals aren’t interested, check out the group exercise classes offered here at Kirby Pines. Put some variety in your program.

Excuse #4: “I don’t need to lose weight.” Exercise is more than simply losing weight. In addition to fending off disease — including cancer, diabetes, dementia and osteoporosis, but it can also improve your life on a day-to-day basis. Working out makes you happier, less stressed and more productive, And regular movement helps ease daily tasks by strengthening muscles and ligaments around the joint.

Excuse #5: “I’m too self-conscious.” Feeling embarrassed or intimidated is common barrier to exercise. Begin a walking program with your doctor’s approval. Sit and observe before joining the class helps build confidence. Ask the instructor about the class. For water aerobics, putting on your bathing suit is the most challenging part of the class. Whatever you decide, just get started.

Excuse #6: “It’s been so long since I’ve exercised –I don’t know where to begin!” Start simple and easy. You can walk any time and it requires no special equipment. In the beginning, limit your exercise to 15 minutes and gradually add 5 minutes to your workout. Make an appointment with Mary in the Oasis and get a refresher course on using the Nustep or Stationary Bike. Try one of the exercise classes. Yoga stretch and Tai Chi are good for starters.

Excuse #7: “I’ll start tomorrow.” Make an appointment to exercise. Mark it on the calendar: date and time. Seeing your accomplishments in writing inspires more accomplishments. Make a date to walk or go to class with a friend, so you won’t back out. Spend time with people who are already exercising regularly. Set attainable goals like walking so many steps each day or exercising a certain amount each week. Reward yourself when you meet your goal with something healthy like new walking shoes or a pedicure and you will be more inspired to keep moving and develop a healthier lifestyle.

“It’s not the finish line that matters; It’s having the courage to start.”

Lift up a glass of ice cold lemonade and drink to a healthier summer. Hydration for seniors is so important, especially as the temperature rises.

As you age, your body’s fluid reserve becomes smaller, your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute. These problems can be compounded by chronic illnesses such as diabetes and dementia, and by the use of certain medications.

That normal level of hydration varies widely from person to person. Contrary to the mantra that everyone should drink eight glasses of water every day, Dr. Kenney says there is nothing scientific to back that up. “People misinterpreted that it had to be liquid and it had to be water,” he says.

A person’s diet can greatly affect hydration levels: fruits (especially watermelon), vegetables, and soups are mostly water-based.
In general, larger people need to drink more water, as do athletes and those who perspire heavily, but that may mean more or less than eight glasses a day. “There is no one-size-fits-all remedy,” he says.

Perhaps because of the difficulty in diagnosis, elderly dehydration is a frequent cause of hospitalization (one of the ten most frequent admitting diagnoses for Medicare hospitalizations, according to the Health Care Financing Administration), and it can be life-threatening if severe enough.

SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION may include:

• Confusion
• Difficulty walking
• Dizziness or headaches
• Dry mouth
• Sunken eyes
• Inability to sweat or produce tears
• Rapid heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Low urine output that may result in Urinary Tract Infections
• Constipation
• Leg cramps

If you suspect dehydration, you can check for a decrease in skin resilience by pulling up the skin on the back of the hand for a few seconds; if it does not return to normal almost immediately, the person is dehydrated.

PREVENTING DEHYDRATION

To avoid dehydration, a person should take in an adequate amount of fluids during the day; eat healthy, water-content foods such as fruit, vegetables and soups; checks that urine color is light and output adequate (dark urine or infrequency of urination is a classic sign of dehydration). Lemonade, flavored water, decaf coffee and specialty teas are enjoyable ways to add fluids to your diet.

Seniors should drink even when they’re not thirsty. Keeping a water bottle next to the bed or your favorite chair could help.

Mild dehydration can usually be treated by having the person take more fluids by mouth. Generally, it’s best to have the person drink something with some electrolytes, such as a commercial rehydration solution, a sports drink, juice, or even bouillon. But in most cases, even drinking water or tea will help.

With warm weather here, it is time to think “Drink More Water!”

It’s odd to say Arthritis Awareness, because if you have one of the over 100 medical conditions that fall under the diagnosis of Arthritis you are probably aware of arthritis every day and every night. While no cure for arthritis has been developed yet, with much research, medical science has improved its understanding for the causes of arthritis and better treatments including new medications for pain and inflammation relief have been developed. Exercise that emphasizes stretching, strengthening, and cardiovascular has an important role in the improvement and continuing function of daily activities. The Arthritis Foundation sponsors research, educational programs, exercise programs, public awareness and advocacy efforts in Congress. Through their bimonthly magazine Arthritis Today, they keep people informed on new products, diet, exercise and medications.

Arthritis affects over 50 million people in the US and two-thirds are under the age of 65. Over 300,000 families deal with arthritis in children under the age of 16. The Arthritis Foundation has been fighting juvenile arthritis and supporting families for more than 60 years. Every year they invest more than $4.5 million in outreach and research that advances treatments and will lead to a cure. Four of our exercise classes are sponsored through the Arthritis Foundation: Tai Chi Mondays @ 2 in the PAC, Basic Water Aerobics on Tuesday/Thursdays at 9:30, Sit and Stand Class Tuesday/Thursdays in the PAC at 11 and our Walk with Ease Class offered twice a year. Interest in the Arthritis Foundation exercise programs brought Mary Hand to teach classes at Kirby Pines seven years ago. Kirby Pines has since become a flagship organization for the Arthritis Foundation.

In support of the Arthritis Foundation, we are planning a Bake sale on May 15 from 9 to 2 and our own Walk to Cure here at Kirby Pines on May 22 at 10:30. We need your help. Baked goods for the sale, volunteers to run the sale, and customers to purchase our delicious offerings. Then on the day of our walk we will need volunteers to help at our registration table and walkers to participate. We will have a course marked for around the lake and another course for inside walkers. Everyone who participates will be eligible for Door prizes, surprises, and refreshments. Please join with our family at Kirby Pines to support the Arthritis Foundation with financial gifts and physical support. This year we have a special invitation to join the Regional Walk to Cure Arthritis at the Redbird Stadium on May 18th at 9 am for a 1 or 2 mile walk, educational arthritis-related exhibits and refreshments. A bus will leave at 8:15 for AutoZone Park.

Last year we raised over $1000 for the Arthritis Foundation. We can make a difference when we team up to Walk to Cure Arthritis. Let’s show our support physically and financially.

Almost everyone, regardless of age or physical condition, can benefit from aquatic exercise. Even if you don’t know how to swim! Just being in the water has inherent benefits. From improvements in circulation to relieving joint pain, the rewards of aquatic exercise are numerous. Many physicians and therapists recommend aquatic therapy because it can advance individuals to a higher level of muscle fitness and mobility, sooner offering advantages over land-based exercise and therapy:

Buoyancy provided by the water allows you to move more easily with decreased stress on muscles, joints, and bones while increasing flexibility and balance. In chest-deep water, you take 70% of your body weight off your joints. The “support” your body receives makes exercising easier and less painful, allowing you to exercise longer without increased effort or joint and muscle pain.

• Exercises performed in the water allow the heart to work more efficiently, making it a great cardiovascular workout.
• The pressure of the water on your joints and muscles comforts your body while you exercise, leaving you feeling less fatigued.
• Support provided by the water reduces the fear of falling.Resistance of the water provides 12 times the resistance of air, so as you walk, you’re really strengthening and building muscle and allowing for higher workout intensities with less impact on your body.

Water walking: If you are new to exercise or can’t swim, don’t worry. Aquatic walking is designed for anyone, including non-swimmers.

How it works: You’ll stand about waist-to-chest deep in water. Walk through the water the same way you would on the ground. Try walking backward and sideways to tone other muscles.

Try it: Stand upright, with shoulders back, chest lifted and arms bent slightly at your sides. Slowly stride forward, placing your whole foot on the bottom of the pool (instead of just your tiptoes), with your heel coming down first, then the ball of your foot. Avoid straining your back by keeping your core (stomach and back) muscles engaged as you walk.

Add intensity: Lifting your knees higher helps boost your workout. You also can do interval training – pumping arms and legs faster for a brief period, then returning to your normal pace, repeating the process several times.

We offer three types of Water aerobic classes. On Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:30 is a higher impact /intensity class and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 is a Men Only Class and at 9:30 is the Arthritis Foundation Water Aerobics Class (Women and Men) which emphasizes range of motion for every joint. All the classes help with balance and strengthening and stretching. The pool is open 7am to 7pm for water walking/jogging or your own routines. Never use the
pool alone. Have someone nearby just in case you need help.

The Oasis has two nice changing rooms with showers and lockers. Towels are provided.

Jack LaLanne born in 1914 was a nationally acclaimed innovator of exercise and nutrition. At first doctors thought he was a charlatan, but “Time has proven that what I was doing was scientifically correct; starting with a healthy diet followed by systematic exercise and today everyone knows it.” He was the first to include weight training for athletes, women, and seniors. LaLanne radically changed sports training. He had the first televised exercise program long before Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons. Jack also combined good nutrition with exercise, and his famous juicer was an important feature in his exercise program. Jack motivated millions throughout his 70-year career to improve their lives by improving their health. As an expert on exercise and nutrition, Jack promoted living long through a healthy lifestyle, by “helping people to help themselves feel better, look better, and live longer.” His last book, LIVE YOUNG FOREVER – is critically acclaimed as his best book.

“My top priority in life is my workout each day.” To the day he died Jack LaLanne lived by what he said to others, and did so for over 75 years.

With more than 12 exercise classes offered each week for the residents and the Oasis open 24 hours with its exercise equipment to build strength and endurance, every resident should be able to find an exercise program to meet their abilities and needs. Mary Hand is available Monday through Thursday to assist you with developing a program right for you. Jason Sparrow and the Physical Therapy Department are available for consultation and physical therapy for anyone who has a question about where they should begin. Of course, consulting with your primary care doctor is important for individuals new to exercise.

Remember Jack Lalanne’s gospel message:”Get out of your seat and onto your feet.” Join one of our classes or visit the Oasis real soon.

Valentines and Hearts are everywhere this season. February is the American Heart Month reminding us to keep our heart healthy by diet, rest, and exercise. Remember your heart is a muscle and exercising makes it stronger and healthier. Research shows that people who do not exercise have a greater risk of heart disease than active people. Like all exercise programs, check with your physician before beginning any new regimen. So, “What exercise works best for my heart?”

Here are a few basic pointers:
Include Aerobic or cardio exercise like walking, swimming, or biking. You should move fast enough to raise your heart rate and breathe a little harder, but not so fast that you cannot catch your breath or be able to carry a conversation. Three to five times a week for 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise is recommended by the CDC. Ten or fifteen-minute sessions work just as well as 30 to 60 minutes. Our water aerobics and the sit and stand exercise classes will get your heart rate up without wearing you out. Also, the Nustep, treadmill and recumbent bike can raise your heart rate and monitor your heart rate, too.

Stretching is also important. Be sure to stretch after warming up for a few minutes and after each exercise session to keep your body more flexible. Stretch gently (no pain) and hold your stretch for at least 30 seconds. We offer Tai Chi and Yoga classes to provide full body stretching as well as water aerobics and sit and stand classes that finish with stretching.

Strength training uses weights and resistance like with stretch bands or in water, and even your own body weight (yoga). Do strength exercises 2 or 3 times a week resting a day between sessions. The Oasis has weight resistance equipment for upper and lower body work. Resistance levels can be increased on the Nustep and the bike.

It is never too late to begin an exercise habit. Start gradually 10 – 15 minutes at a time and increase slowly… If you experience pain or pressure in your chest or trouble breathing, stop immediately and get medical assistance. A little soreness, in the beginning, is normal, but if the pain lasts more than 2 hours after exercise it may mean you have overdone it. After a few weeks, you can increase your workouts for longer sessions and add more resistance gradually. Exercise is a key to a healthier heart. Check out the schedule of exercise classes or make an afternoon appointment with Mary Hand if you want to learn more about the equipment in the Oasis. Remember an active life leads to a healthy heart.

– Mary