Getting Handsy
Two of my favorite hobbies are traveling and dancing. I love the feeling of connectedness, joy and wonder that I experience from both of these pastimes. I want to be able to sling luggage into overhead bins and lace up my sneakers to lose myself in good music for as long as I can, as these activities make me appreciate and savour my experience of being alive on the planet. In order to make sure that I can keep enjoying traveling and dancing for many years to come (God willing) I want to stay as fit and healthy as possible as I get older. Maybe your motivation for staying healthy as you age is being able to pick up your kids/grandkids or being able to take your dog for a vigorous walk. Whatever it is, having a consistent routine of resistance and weight training should make up part of your overall health and fitness plan. Amongst other things, holding heavy weights and dangling from pull up bars challenge and improve your grip strength ✊.
Research shows that grip strength is more than just about strong hands, it’s linked to muscle health, independence, and (importantly for my continued dancing aspirations) longevity. Muscles help to regulate blood sugar and protect against issues like diabetes, bone loss, and even cognitive decline. Studies have found that weaker grip strength can be a predictor of chronic disease and reduced life expectancy. In other words, something as simple as how firmly you can squeeze a tennis ball can say a lot about your overall health.
Speaking of tennis balls, one of Ascendant Wellbeing’s signature classes is "Roll and Recovery" which is a restorative forty five minute class that includes a take home, company branded tennis ball. According to this article, a tennis ball is all you need to work on your grip strength apart from doing resistance training. Not only does our “Roll and Recovery” class show you how to use a tennis ball as a handy and portable self massage aid, it doubles as a tool you can keep on hand and grab whenever you want to practice grip strength. This session is great as part of an end of year "away day" and wellness experience to gift employees going into the winter/holiday season.