This is something I talk about a lot. I may not say these exact words above but you know what I am talking about.
Now stop there 🛑
I can hear all the excuses already – I am in my 70’s & 80’s Angela…. I don’t need to get on and off the floor…. I am happy with moving within my physical limits, I don’t want to live longer……
However, why would you not want a fitter, more agile, more energetic version of you?
I know there are many people 70’s and beyond who totally agree with me and I need them to shout it out to you all that living your best life is a great choice to make.
Let’s be honest—most people don’t suddenly “get old” overnight.
What actually happens is this: we slowly stop moving well.
We sit more.
We stiffen up.
We avoid certain movements because they feel harder than they used to.
And before long, we start moving older than we really are.
The good news?
You can absolutely reverse that trend.
It’s Not Your Age — It’s Your Movement Habits
Stiff joints, slower walking, poor balance—these are often blamed on age.
But in reality, they’re usually the result of reduced movement variety and strength.
I talk about this a lot in my older adult and seated classes. I always ask you why do you not move down fully to the floor if you can, why not reach up high safely if you can etc. At some point you chose to no longer move to the floor or stretch up high….
Your body adapts to what you do most.
• Sit a lot → hips tighten, posture rounds
• Avoid strength work → muscles weaken
• Stop challenging balance → stability declines
The body simply says: “If you don’t use it, I won’t maintain it and you’ll lose it”
What Does “Moving Young” Actually Look Like?
Think about how younger people move. They:
• Get up and down from the floor easily
• Walk with energy and purpose
• Twist, reach, and bend without hesitation
• React quickly if they lose balance
You did all these things too so when did you stop and why? What stops you doing these things? Is it mental? or is it physical?
I do always follow this up with the caveat: if you have joint issues then this is different, but if you have nothing going on physically then why not?
It’s not about being fast or extreme—it’s about being capable, confident, and fluid.
I have also mentioned a lot, that yes it is a cultural thing and I highlight that in many Asian and Mediterranean cultures their elders daily life involves, several times a day, floor based activities that are sitting, eating, daily tasks and sleeping positions naturally keeps the muscles, joints and core strength active into old age.
Many seniors in these cultures do not think twice about moving to the floor, lifting and carrying heavy items and doing a lot of manual work. Many seniors in our culture avoid these movements from an extremely young age therefore causing the ‘Old Person’ moves and attitude.
The problem is that our culture encourages chair based and sedentary lifestyles. We have the luxury of comfy chairs, sofas and beds and less need to move to the floor. Our younger self never thought twice about doing these things until a point when we chose not to.
5 Ways to Start Moving Younger Today
1. Get Strong (This Is Non-Negotiable)
Strength is your foundation.
Focus on simple, functional movements:
• Sit-to-stands (chair squats) building up to not needing your hands to help.
• Step-ups
• Wall push-ups
• Carrying shopping bags
Strength makes everything else feel easier—and safer.
Stop relying on the chair back to hold you up so when sitting, at intervals, sit independently away from the chair back and start using your all important core strength. This means also standing more and moving more.
2. Practice Getting Up and Down
One of the biggest markers of “old” movement is avoiding the floor.
Start gently:
• Sit down on a chair → stand up without using hands
• Progress to lower surfaces
• Eventually practice getting up from the floor
This builds strength, mobility, and confidence all at once.
We tend to practice this in our seated class moving through the stages of how to get to the floor and keep practicing the stages until you can move to the next and in all our Pilates sessions we move to the floor including all our senior participants.
If you would like to practice the stages of moving to the floor as part of the 50’s+ let me know.
3. Improve Your Balance (Daily, Not Occasionally)
Balance isn’t something you keep—it’s something you train.
Try:
• Standing on one leg while brushing your teeth
• Heel-to-toe walking
• Gentle direction changes while walking
Small, regular practice makes a huge difference.
4. Move in Different Directions
Most people only move forward (walking).
But life isn’t one-directional.
Add:
• Side steps
• Gentle twists
• Reaching movements
• Turning your head and body while walking
This keeps your body adaptable and responsive. Again these are movements we do in all my classes.
5. Walk With Intention
Instead of just “getting steps in,” focus on how you walk.
• Stand tall
• Swing your arms
• Push off through your feet
• Pick up your pace slightly
You’ll instantly feel more energised—and look it too.
This is something we work on regularly as well as breaking the walking pattern down to make you think more about how your move.
So,
What matters most is:
• Moving regularly
• Challenging your body a little bit
• Keeping movements varied
Even 10–15 minutes a day can start to change how you move and feel.
If you have no physical reason to not move more energetically and bend, twist, reach, go to the floor then start small.
Final Thoughts
Moving “old” isn’t about your age—it’s about lost habits.
And the best part?
You can rebuild those habits at any stage of life.
Start small. Stay consistent. Keep challenging yourself.
Because feeling younger isn’t just about how you look—
it’s about how confidently and freely you move through life.
It’s about living the rest of your days independently and with the best quality of life as you can, enjoying the things you love to do without physical limitations.