Think back to grade-school gym class. Remember the line sprints, the side shuffles, the hurdles. At the time, you may have thought these drills were designed by a malevolent gym teacher just to torture you. In actuality, they were designed to develop your agility.

 

Agility is the ability to start, stop, or change direction without losing balance or control, and it continues to be important for years after you leave grade-school gym class. As we age, our cognitive function declines while we also are losing muscle mass and strength. These factors often lead to falls.

 

According to Justin Slimm, owner and operator of Slimm Fitness, 30,000 Canadians will fall and fracture their hip this year and almost 25% of them will pass away within a year of their injury.

 

So how can agility training help?

 

Slimm says that this kind of training can improve your balance and coordination to help you avoid a fall. And if you do slip, agility can improve your reaction time, allowing you to catch yourself before you do any serious damage.

 

One benefit of agility that is not often talked about is confidence. There is emotional value in knowing you can handle the physical obstacles you may encounter. As you develop your agility, you move with confidence. When you move with confidence, you get out more and participate in more activities. That makes your world bigger and your life more fulfilling in retirement.

 

Want to improve your agility, but do not know where to start?

 

Slimm says that the first step is taking inventory of your fitness level. If you have not trained or exercised in years, that is ok. It is never too late to start, but it is important to start slow. For beginners, developing your agility for ten to fifteen minutes once or twice a week is a good start. If you are more advanced, try thirty minutes a few times a week. Whatever your fitness level, it is important to always put your safety first.

 

Slimm also points out that exercise does not have to be what everyone else is doing. You are much more likely to stay active if you are doing things you enjoy. Think playing with your grandkids, joining a walking club, or going for a hike in the mountains.

 

If you want to work on your agility specifically, it does not have to be complicated. Set up pylons in your living room and side shuffle between them. Try skipping rope. Keep it fun by making a game out of it or trying to improve your time to complete.

 

As a former group fitness instructor, Slimm also knows the value of community on your fitness journey. Check out your local gym and ask if there is a low impact exercise class that you could join such as pilates or aerobics. Connect with Calgary Sport and Social Club to see if there is a pickleball league you could join.

 

Whatever you do, try to make your routine as well-rounded and consistent as possible. Slimm suggests pairing agility training with strength exercises, and sticking with it.

 

Want to learn more about health should factor into your retirement plan? Attend our seminar!

 

Register for Calgary here.

 

Register for Lethbridge here.