Age, Epigenetics and My Triad of Exercise
I am always surprised by the fear and lack of trust people have in their bodies or more accurately the MIND/BODY/EMOTIONAL SYSTEM. This mistrust seems to find voice in the most common throw away comment I hear from people, 'Oh it must be age that's causing my pain (or lack of mobility).' Actually this couldn't be further from the truth. If it were age, we'd see the same pain, lack of mobility or degeneration in every joint of the body (because every joint is the same age), but we don't see this. If we see degeneration/arthritis in joints at all, it's only in some joints.
My Triad of Exercise
I have seen 70 year olds with better energy and physical stamina than some 40 year olds. So why is this the case? In many cases this is lifestyle related. It is related to quality of diet and quality of movement (and the yogi in me can't leave out the quality of our thoughts and feelings of connection!)
In terms of movement, I often tell people about my Triad of Optimal Movement. Picture an equilateral triangle with the following represented on each side of the triangle:
- Strength exercise
- Cardiovascular exercise
- Whole body stretching eg Yoga
If we spend some time each week doing activities under each of those 3 headings then we are well on the way to learning that our bodies are working for us and not against us. But it needs to be all 3 - don't be tempted just to do one type.
Epigenetics
Related to what we have been discussing is the subject of Epigenetics. The old genetic science basically stated we were victims of our genes, but the new view on genetics called Epigenetics demonstrates that we have some power over expression of certain characteristics. Epigenetics essentially shows us that genes are just blueprints, meaning they don't turn themselves 'on' or 'off'. The 'environment' does that and this is the empowering bit.
This environment consists of the cellular environment and also the environment we create through our lifestyles and our attitudes.
Well, I think I feel another Triad coming on! This Triad is the CHEMICAL | MENTAL/EMOTIONAL | STRUCTURAL Triad. I tell everyone about this because if you know that your body is designed as a self healing, self regulating system (your body knows how to heal a cut without your intervention) then you are empowered to take responsibility for a bigger percentage of your health outcomes. Structurally we can get our regular Chiropractic adjustments to maintain alignment and decrease joint dysfunction/subluxation. In addition, we can change our environment through quality diet by reducing chemical toxicity, exercise and cleaning up our attitudes.
If you are interested in learning more about Epigenetics and feeling empowered in your quest for health then you might be interested in books or You Tube clips by Bruce Lipton PhD.
I also recommend books by Dr Joe Dispenza Changing the Habit of Being Yourself and You Are the Placebo