My Dear Friends,

I know you will all agree with me that as we continue our journey of aging victoriously, one of the most powerful gifts we can give ourselves is the gift of movement. Whether you happen to be 55, 65, or beyond, staying active is not about chasing youth — it’s about maintaining vitality, building strength, and doing your best to enjoy your body as it is today.

Let me say this loud and clear: Keep moving!

Movement is the medicine that keeps our minds alert, our spirits uplifted, and our bodies resilient. And guess what? You don’t need to run marathons or lift heavy weights to feel strong and vibrant. You just need a smart, balanced approach that honors your body and fuels your life.

The Golden Balance: Strengthening and Stretching

Too often we focus on just one side of the fitness coin — either we push too hard or we don’t move enough. But take it from me, with my many years as a fitness professional and yoga teacher, the real secret to graceful, powerful aging lies in the balance between strengthening and stretching.

💪 Strengthening — Your Inner Warrior

Exercise for vitality and strength

After 55, maintaining muscle is no longer optional — it’s essential.
Why? Because strength supports your joints, protects your bones, improves your posture, and helps you feel confident and steady in everything you do.

The good news: You don’t need a gym or fancy equipment. You can start right at home with my longtime favorites:

Push-ups (on the wall or knees) — to keep shoulders and arms strong

Sit-ups — to strengthen your core and protect your back

Sun Salutation — a yoga sequence to strengthen hips and legs

Chair pose — leaning against a wall as if sitting, holding the pose while counting to 100

Light resistance bands — to support posture and shoulder strength

Victory Tip: Aim for 3 to 5 times a week. Also incorporate a vigorous walk — preferably outdoors — for at least 20 minutes, ideally 45 minutes.

Bonus Victory Tip: If you’re lucky enough to live in a warm climate (like I do in Florida), head to the pool! Water aerobics is fun, effective, and easy on your joints thanks to the buoyancy of the water.

🧘 Stretching — Your Inner Dancer

Exercise for flexibility and inner peace

As we age, flexibility can fade — unless we actively protect it.
Stretching keeps you limber, reduces stiffness, and helps prevent injuries. More importantly, it creates a mind-body connection that supports stress management and cultivates inner calm.

And you’ve likely noticed: the body stiffens quickly when we sit too long! So, to prevent this, I recommend:

Gentle yoga or Qi Gong — for both movement and mindfulness

Deep breathing while stretching — to release tension and soothe the nervous system

Victory Tip: Stretch daily, even for just 5 minutes. Your body will thank you.

Move with Joy, Not Judgment

The best exercise is the one you enjoy the most. For me, it’s dancing! Lately, I’ve been taking salsa classes — fun and challenging.

Put on your favorite music and move to the rhythm of your heart. Not only will you burn calories, but you’ll also release endorphins and dopamine — the "feel-good" chemicals your brain loves.

Remember:
Whatever you choose to do, aim for consistency, not perfection. Even just 10 minutes a day adds up to powerful change and a new healthy habit.

Also, keep this in mind:
You don’t stop moving because you get older — you get older because you stop moving.

So, let’s keep moving — with grace, strength, and spirit.
Let’s stretch into our future, one joyful breath at a time.
Let’s lift not just weights, but our entire experience of living.

And let’s declare together:
Victory to us. Victory is ours. Let’s claim it!

«Exercise is the key, not only to physical health but to peace of mind»

- Nelson Mandela

Please don’t forget to order my book,  now available in  Audio. Please see link below: https://shorturl.at/ZGnGk

allmylinks.com/edwige-gilbert

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