Friday, October 3, 2014

Growing Older Does Not Mean Doing Less

One of the books on my reading list is Younger Next Year for Women by Dr. Harry Lodge and Chris Crowley.  The pair first collaborated on a book published in 2004 that was geared more towards men over 50.  It was on the New York Times Bestseller List.  They quickly realized that it was well worth creating a version for women.  Apparently the core information is the same, but the tone is a bit different.  Plus specific women's issues are addressed.

Harry is a well respected internist in New York City.  Chris became his patient after retirement from a Wall Street firm.  He retired in 1990 to ski, sail, bike, play tennis, cook, then decided to write books with Harry and take his passion for them on the road.  Chris recently celebrated his 80th birthday and wrote a blog entry about the party.  He's clearly looking forward to the next decade.

Launch into 80!

The latest printing of Younger Next Year (paperbackfor men came out in 2011.  The original hardback was published in 2004, paperback versions of both came out in 2007.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Improving dynamic balance with Tai Chi

There are a variety of ways to improve balance.  Using a BOSU is what I learned about during knee rehab a few years ago.  Even standing on one leg with eyes closed every so often makes a difference because it enhances what is called proprioception.  But that's a topic for another day.

Tai Chi is a great way to improve dynamic balance.  When doing Tai Chi, you are always moving.  What's different from western exercise routines is that the movement is slow and deliberate.  The slower the better sometimes.  Makes me think of the concept that when working on improving ski technique, being able to ski slowly and precisely on easy terrain is a way to ingrain skills that can then be used on harder terrain.

Lito Tejade-Flores learned to ski as an adult.  He went on to become an internationally known ski instructor.  I learned a lot from a couple of his well-known books.  In 2008 he wrote a blog entry that mentions how Tai Chi can really help someone's skiing.