On Aug 5, 2017, I was in my backyard making a short stretch video clip for a senior client and was delightfully surprised by a very special visitor. Watch me demonstrate the Sphinx pose, a great basic yoga stretch for those 50+ who want to improve their posture and uplift their spirit. Look closely and you will see my new hummingbird friend. Wow, I needed this amazing spirit animal magic today!  

One of my favorite functional exercises  (and, in my opinion, the most important to practice DAILY!) is getting up and down from the floor. Don’t wait until you fall down to try and work out how to get up. If you practice getting up and down from the floor once a week, you might be surprised at how easily you can get up. Watch this video and notice how many different ways my beautiful Youthful Hearts class members do this. :-) 

Support active aging and vibrant longevity through the regular practice of the ancient art of Qigong, (pronounced 'chee gung'). It is a beautifully flowing movement meditation that will cultivate within you an increased sense of well being, calmness, mental alertness, inner/outer balance, as well as strengthen all the systems and organs of your body. For seniors, it is especially helpful to those with arthritis, hypertension and mobility issues. This session can be done standing or sitting. Allow yourself to breathe deeper, move gracefully, focus your intention and feel your natural aliveness! 

Support active aging and vibrant longevity through the regular practice of the ancient art of Qigong, (pronounced 'chee gung'). It is a beautifully flowing movement meditation (similar in some ways to Tai Chi) that will cultivate within you an increased sense of well being, calmness, mental alertness, inner/outer balance, as well as strengthen all the systems and organs of your body.  For seniors, it is especially helpful to those with arthritis, hypertension and mobility issues. Join me for this rejuvenating, gentle session that only takes 5 minutes and 35 seconds to do and can be done standing or sitting. Allow yourself to breathe deeper, move gracefully, focus your intention and feel your natural aliveness!

This low impact aerobics practice segment is a fun way to warm up (and wake-up!) the mind and body. It's great to do before more vigorous exercise or if you've been sitting for awhile and your body needs to MOVE! Even short periods of exercise can boost the metabolism and support heart and brain health.  If you have limited mobility then you can modify and follow along while sitting in an armless chair. (This episode is a bit longer than the usual 5 minutes because it includes an encore "performance" for those who want to go through the routine a 2nd time.)

For this video post, for variety, I've decided to create a relaxation experience for you instead of the usual exercise theme. Truly, our wellness is a result of balancing the many facets of living. Our bodies do their best healing when we are deeply calm and relaxed. Watch this video and go on a peaceful journey into your own self nurturing for stress release, harmony and balance.

Watch a line dance video excerpt from our 2012 Seniors Spring Fling at the Margaret Todd Senior Center in Novato, CA, presented to raise money for the Novato Senior Citizens Club. Wonderful mix of ages represented here: Boomers and Seniors dancing together for a good cause! All of the dancers are from my Youthful Hearts Line Dancing Class that meets on Thursdays at 12:35pm at Margaret Todd. Come join the fun--all levels are welcome!

Seniors & Boomers: These moderate leg and core strength training exercises are safe and easy to learn.  They will help you with your balance and with chores that require lifting. Even 5 minutes of fitness done now and then can make a noticeable difference in how you feel. You can enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle, no matter what your age! Remember, that even with certain limitations, it is possible to exercise for better health. Two out of three of the boomer and senior strength training exercises in this video are demonstrated in a chair. Whether you're standing or sitting, have fun and work at a level that is right for you!

These upper body strengthening exercises will work your upper back, chest, shoulders, biceps and triceps to help you maintain and improve your function for daily activities. You'll need hand weights and a stretch band or tube for this moderate and effective workout. 

Seniors and boomers after fifty, help yourself feel better instantly while reclaiming your natural healing capabilities. These gentle, holistic energy medicine exercises decrease anxiety and enhance your sense of well being. Practice this easy routine to develop positive habits in your body's amazing energy systems. Great way to start the day!

Ready for some soothing exercise? This stretch routine can be done while sitting at your desk! Let's get moving! Follow along with me to help with flexibility, life force and relaxation. Get your energy flowing and your mind turned on! Want access to more free fitness videos? Sign up for my e-newsletter in the blue form on the top right of this page.

When I created my Five Minutes of Fitness After 50, episode #6, I ended up with almost 10 minutes of chair stretching. So I divided it into two workouts. Consider this part two. This is ideal for when you need a soothing break from work or you'd like a natural energy boost. 

Ready for some energizing exercise? Let's get moving! Baby boomers and seniors, follow along with me to help improve your leg strength, flexibility and balance. This functional body weight exercise also helps to build stronger bones. Get your blood flowing and your mind turned on!

If you need a good workout for your legs, but have trouble standing for too long, then join me for this modified seated workout.  

Falling is a major cause of injury to seniors. When we were younger, our brain, muscles, nerves, ears and eyes worked really well together to keep us upright and steady on our feet. However, as we age our equilibrium and balance decline, mostly due to reduced physical activity. We need to consciously work our balance skills to keep them functioning well for us. The good news is that with ongoing practice, you can dramatically improve your balance. So let's get moving! Follow along with me in this 5 minute video for a fantastic balance workout, made especially for baby boomers and seniors. 

I made this 5-minute, seated balance training video for my Youthful Hearts subscribers who are not able to stand for prolonged periods of time. Balance is like any other skill....if you practice it little by little, you'll notice improvement over time. Here are three basic balance exercises for you to practice at home. (Not a subscriber? Sign up in blue form on top right of this page. It's free.)

This is a fun 5-minute health boost, especially useful if you've been sitting for a long period of time. Follow along with me to help improve your brain fitness with this coordination exercise. It's ideal for baby boomers and seniors who want a little zap of energy added to their day! It may be done standing or sitting, depending on your balance. Get your blood flowing and your mind turned on!