That is 100% accurate. Getting old does NOT have to hurt.  

AND you are getting older and you do hurt.

It is never too late to start taking actions to decrease the amount of discomfort we feel as we age.

Yes - if you neglect your muscles, joints and connective tissue for the first 40 years of your life, then turning 41 or older is going to be a little rough.

But it does not have to be!!

Start thinking about your body like a high-performance sports car. These cars need daily tune-ups to keep them running at 100%. Your body is no different... except that it is 100 times more complicated. If you stay on top of tuning up and maintaining your body, it will run pain-free up to the point you park it in the garage for good.

Now, last time we looked at one's inability to cross both legs evenly in a seated position. How did that work for everyone? Did you find something different from side to side? Did the exercises make a difference? Leave your comments below with what you found and experienced.  

This week we are going to look at another big complaint I encounter here often at Fitness-Tek South Tampa.

I call this the, "I cant get my carryon luggage in the overhead compartment," syndrome.  Do you know the one? That pain or tightness that shows up right as you are attempting to lift your luggage overhead and depart for vacation?

This movement is generally connected with a limitation in spinal extension, arching of the back, strength. Depending on your age and how hard you have driven this high-performance sports car that is your body, there are a number of issues that could be going on here. I will focus on the easiest issue to self-address here with spinal extension.

Below is a possible solution for your overhead reach problem, but first, TALK TO OUR DOCTOR before starting any exercise program!

Once you are cleared by your Doctor, lay on the floor face down, with your hands down at your sides. If it is not comfortable to do this on the floor, you can do it on your bed. Take a few deep breaths and let everything relaxed into that position. Next, begin to lift your chest and shoulders off the table as you draw in a deep breath of air.

NOW, if you feel pain stop the motion. This is an indication that there are other things going on, potentially an issue with the structure of your spine. This does not mean you cannot be helped, it just means you will need to rule out a few things first.  If this is the case, seek out a professional Muscle Activation Technique Master Specialist to help establish a treatment plan.

If you are able to get into the position, hold at the top until you feel you need to take another breath, then return to resting position. Repeat for 5 reps to start. Progress over the next week adding in a rep each day.

Listen to your body! There should be no pain, just the sensation of your muscles working.

I look forward to hearing from you and your experience with this exercise!

Until next time, make it a great day!