Episode 06: The Importance of Strength and Mobility Work (...and how to get started.)

Corrin Pierce

Corrin’s work as a strength and mobility trainer is heavily informed by her background as a dancer, massage therapist, Pilates instructor, and all-around anatomy nerd. She believes that you have tremendous power to affect the way your body moves and feels through mindful movement work that focuses both on mobility and strength, and that this power does not diminish with age.

This played out in her own body after serious issues with back pain. Building strength helped her back and joints in a way nothing else ever had. She loves seeing how building physical strength also helps people recognize their other strengths.

Corrin's Instagram is full of information! Join her mailing list to find out about her online classes. Or participate through her You Tube Channel!

Corrin mentions Role Model Massage Therapy Balls, yoga blocks and a foam roller as some her favorite things.

Corrin's Three Tips for Aging Thoughtfully

1.  You have to be realistic about the changes that come with aging. If you fight against it, it's just going to be more stress. That said, don't feel limited! I really do believe you have the power to change the way that you move and the way that you feel. You will always have that power, that is not going to go away. You always have that power up until the very end of your life. Even as you age, you will still be able to be able to choose to move in ways that support your body -- even if those ways shrink as we get older. I think the key for that is accountability on some level. Find somebody on Instagram, check out my stuff or find somebody who really resonates for you, follow them and do the stuff they say. You have to do the stuff. Make it social: have an accountability buddy, take a class, hire a coach if it's within your means. Those are all things that will help you to age well and continue moving.

2. Emphasize recovery! Figure out what kind of self-care things make you feel good, and it won't be the same for you as it will for your best friend.  Keep your recovery, at least some of your recovery active - so you are getting out socially, moving your body with other people (kids and grandkids!).

3. You've got to maintain your strength and mobility: you've just got to! All the things that will keep you independent as you age have to do with strength.  When you have more muscle mass - you are helping so many things: your blood sugar to stay regulated, improves your mental health (people who have more muscle mass have a lower risk of cognitive decline as they age). Muscles make you smarter! People who have stronger grip strength (an indicator of overall strength) tend to live longer.  They have a lower risk of falling.  (Metabolism, bone strength - all the things!) Weights or lunges, squats, push ups, band work! As long as you are working against resistance, you are going to be building strength!