Remember those guys who always walked with a bounce? Almost like they were walking on their toes? They had this funny little spring in their step. I always thought they looked a little doofey, maybe even goofy.
Well, here I am at 73, and guess what? I’m trying to become one of those guys! And I’m succeeding.
What wasn’t particularly cool when we were younger might turn out to be one of the smartest things we can do as we get older. Because somewhere along the way, we literally lose the spring in our step.
P.S. To all you youngsters reading this: Don’t wait until you lose that spring in your step. Start now so you have a better chance of keeping it!
Think about it. As we age, how many people start complaining about their feet, their legs, their circulation, their balance, or simply having trouble walking? We tend to accept these changes as inevitable. But what if something as simple as putting a little bounce back into your walk could make a meaningful difference?
Meet Your Second Heart
Here’s something fascinating that most people don’t think about. Deep inside your calf is a muscle called the soleus, part of what’s often referred to as your body’s “second heart.”
Why? Because every time your calf muscles contract, they help pump blood from your lower legs back toward your heart. Gravity helps blood travel down to your feet. Getting it back up is another story! Your veins have one-way valves, and your calf muscles help push that blood upward against gravity.
And here’s the best part. You can exercise those muscles while sitting in a chair!
So I started doing calf raises. Nothing complicated. No gym. No expensive equipment. No personal trainer. Just raising my heels. I started seated, progressed to standing, and eventually worked my way up to 200!
Then I asked myself one of my favorite questions: What’s next?
Well, how about bouncing?
Not jumping three feet in the air. Not buying a trampoline. Just gently bouncing on the balls of my feet, letting my calves and ankles do the work.
There’s another interesting benefit to regular movement. Your lymphatic system doesn’t have a central pump like your heart. It relies partly on muscle contractions and body movement to keep lymph flowing. Walking, calf raises, and gentle bouncing can all contribute to that movement.
Now Here’s Where It Gets Really Interesting
I started incorporating a little bounce into my actual walk. Yes, that goofy little spring in the step I used to laugh at!
And you know what? I love it!
I feel lighter on my feet, more energetic, and more aware of my balance. It’s almost as though I’m teaching my body to remember something it used to do naturally decades ago.
Maintaining calf strength and ankle function is important for walking, stability, and mobility as we age. I’m not suggesting bouncing reverses aging or replaces cardiovascular exercise. But keeping those muscles active is a pretty sensible investment in your future.
My Favorite Kind of Exercise: The Lazy Man’s Workout!
Anyone who knows me knows I’m all about getting the greatest benefit with the least amount of effort.
I don’t want to spend hours in a gym. I want things I can incorporate into my everyday life without setting aside time to exercise.
Calf raises while brushing my teeth? Easy. A few heel raises while waiting for coffee? Why not? A little bouncing while standing around? Absolutely. And now, a little spring in my step while walking?
That doesn’t even take an extra minute out of my day!
At 73, I can genuinely say this feels like one of the best changes I’ve made to the way I move. I can’t tell you it’s adding years to my life, but if it helps me stay mobile, maintain my balance, and feel younger on my feet, that’s already a wonderful return on my investment.
Of course, if you have significant balance problems, joint pain, or vascular disease, start with supported heel raises or walking rather than bouncing, and get medical guidance when appropriate.
So Here’s My Advice
Be doofey. Be goofy. Put a little spring back in your step.
The next time you see some guy walking down the street with that funny little bounce, don’t laugh. He might just be onto something.
And if you happen to see a 73-year-old guy bouncing down the sidewalk looking a little ridiculous…
It might be me!
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