As you start developing systems for growing food, you will start using muscles you haven’t used in a while. And that is a good thing. Since I’ve started this journey, I am much stronger, have greater endurance, and can comfortably withstand large temperature ranges, to name a few of the many improvements.
You might have seen my video where I took up skateboarding at 49. Here is the link for that if you missed it.
How long can I expect my body to continue improving in strength and agility?
Our healthcare and medical systems are a multi-billion dollar industry. While amazing things have been accomplished, it has also completely lost sight of the two most basic foundations of health – which you already know (I’ll remind you of what that is towards the end of this newsletter in case you have forgotten).
To demonstrate how far away from our innate knowledge of health take the example of Christopher McDougal who asked the best foot specialists in the US why his feet hurt when he started running. The best the modern medical system could offer him was cortisone shots, advanced orthopedics, and the advice to ‘stop running as the human body wasn’t designed for that activity’. But McDougal didn’t accept that and chronicled his amazing journey to discover an ancient tribe of Tarahumara runners who rarely get injured, only
wear thin sandals made from old tires, and who peak in their running abilities at around age 60! McDougalls book titled Born To Run completely refutes the medical establishment and if fact, gives a provocative case that humans are actually born to run.
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I used to love to jog, but shin splints and wrecked knees stopped me in my 20’s. But I have started running again and can testify that yes, you can run injury free and joyfully if you learn to use your body properly. There are some good introductory YouTube videos for free that will get you started, use the keywords ‘evolution running’ or ‘chi running’. I am reviewing some of the various DVDs and books on the subject and If you are interested drop me a comment below and I’ll let you know what I find to be the best.
A friend told me about a book titled Pain Free which offered exercises she used to stop her nighttime teeth grinding and other TMJ problems. I’ve been using the exercises in his book to help me properly use my body in many other areas. The author Pete Egoscue asserts that the multibillion dollar industry of joint replacements and pain therapy is completely unnecessary if you learn to properly use your body.
The two examples above are a part of a new science called ‘bio-mechanics’ dedicated to re-learning optimal ways to use your physical form. A modern, civilized lifestyle is really not very healthy. All those conveniences have added up to some very detrimental posture. What surprised me the most was how little exercise your body really needs – you don’t have to sweat it out for hours – but, do get in some varied movements, and check out some of the new findings that are coming out on how to move your body most effectively.
And of course, exercise is free. So as you are getting out there digging up garden beds, turning a compost pile (you did start one didn’t you?), or building that chicken coop, Enjoy the fresh air, and especially enjoy the movement. You are doing deeply meaningful work that is good for you.
Oh, I almost forgot –
The Foundation of Health is Diet and Exercise
See, you already knew that. But it really is that simple. Yes, you can completely avoid the pills and surgery the gigantic medical system offers using very simple principles.
My father-in-law is in his 80’s and he still competes in tennis in the Senior Olympics. He has definitely slowed down in the last decade, but I asked him when did he feel he peaked in performance? “Early 60’s” was his reply.
Isn’t it nice to know your body is so amazing?
Next week I will slice through the immense illusion of the food industry and focus on the simple principles of a healthy diet.
Marjory Wildcraft is an Expedition Leader and Bioneer Blogger with The [Grow] Network, which is an online community that recognizes the wisdom of “homegrown food on every table.” Marjory has been featured as an expert on sustainable living by National Geographic, she is a speaker at Mother Earth News fairs, and is a returning guest on Coast to Coast AM. She is an author of several books, but is best known for her “Grow Your Own Groceries” video series, which is used by more than 300,000 homesteaders, survivalists, universities, and missionary organizations around the world.
COMMENTS(13)
Hello. Tried to order ur book Bug Fest but ur site does not
take Am. Express Any suggestiions? Thank You
Hi Frank, yes I am sorry we don’t accept Am Ex. Not sure why… I’ll see if I can get it added.
Hi Marjory! I would be very interested in knowing what you have found and consider useful regarding running. I would like to be able to add it in but my body does not respond well. I am familiar with Pain Free and have used it to almost completely eliminate headaches, which exercises have you found to be helpful?
Thank you! KJ
Hi KJ,
I used his exercises to work on my right knee. Ballet classes (which tend to make you turn your feet out) and a bicycle and car accident (I was on the bicycle) wrecked my right knee. It has taken me a while but I have gotten my leg into much better alignment. I ended up having to work on my hips too (its all connected). But I believe I have helped avoid needing a knee replacement in the future.
PAIN FREE by Peter Egoscueu
Oops, meant to reply to the post below. Can one edit their posts?
You mentioned a book called Pain Free which your friend used to stop her teeth grinding. I have cracked three teeth already from grinding them, so I would love to know the complete title, and the author’s name [there are several books called Pain Free; the link in your article did not lead to any of them 🙁 ]
Thank you, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
PAIN FREE by Peter Egoscue
I agree that there are many things that can be done to improve fitness. There is one chemical deficiency in our system that, for lack of a better word, causes aging. You can start by thinking about that old tennis guy. His muscles are tight but is his hair white? How can one part of your body get old and another part actually improve? You might think about the fact that there really not very good explanations to describe ‘ageing’.
I have always watched what I ate and tried to stay active. Six years ago, I moved to a place where I actually have some land to work with, and have since been trying to grow more of my own food. I am going on 62 years old, do not take any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, and have no pain, except for some residual stiffness in my right ankle that I broke badly two years ago. Skateboarding sounds like fun, but I am afraid people would think I was developing Alzheimer’s if I tried it. I have no intention of slowing down with age, and hope to remain active to the age of 100 or more. I strongly believe that nutrition and movement are most beneficial for continued good health, but since they are free, they are not promoted by the medical industry.
Brian Mackenzie is a great resource. Crossfit Endurance.
Awesome article… I still do back flips in my 50’s and find it inspirational to see others in great condition in their beyond 50. Thank you!
Marjorie, I heard you mention PAIN FREE by Peter Egoscue in one of your videos, as a “oh by the way” comment. Maybe it was the video about kidney wrapping. Thank you, thank you!!! It has saved my life!
I experienced immediate results after trying the exercises in the book once. So much so that I found a therapist trained in The Egoscue Method. Before, I couldn’t walk down the block to the neighbors due to pain in my knees. When I did walk I stumbled around like a drunken sailor and I was bowlegged. Now, after a month and a half of working with the therapist, I can walk, more gracefully, around two blocks. The pain level in my left knee has dropped to 5% of what it was, and my right knee is about 85% better!
I have more work to do, certainly have to build up strength, but OMG! I can get my life back! Again, thank you for passing on this info.