Local senior fitness instructor Tanya Bianchi, who helps seniors stay active and healthy on the Central Coast, shares what her Italian Nonna taught her about keeping active, embracing life and making movement part of every day. Here, Tanya shares her story in her own words:
“If you’ve got breath in your lungs to complain about your back—or anything else for that matter—you’ve got strength in your arm to stir the sauce… Avanti! (Get going!)” — Nonna
Nonna never owned a pair of sneakers, and if you asked her about “getting her 10,000 steps,” she’d probably have offered to check your head for a fever. Sitting still just wasn’t her thing.
Long before the sun even thought about rising, you’d hear her shuffling around and catch that first magical smell of stovetop coffee. And well after the rest of us had collapsed for the night (usually due to too much song and maybe a little bit too much wine!), there she’d be under a dim little lamp, knitting yet another 70s inspired jumper for one of us grandchildren at lightning speed like she was on a deadline from God.
Nonna herself was a complete teetotaller, relying strictly on those true old-school habits—the kind that actually work—and fueled entirely by her love for her family, her stoic determination, and a great passion for life. Her complete refusal to ever sit down and do nothing never actually entered her head. She was a woman on the go!
Three Quick Ways to Move Like My Nonna This Week:
The Kettle-Boil Balance Routine:
Nonna practically lived at the kitchen bench. So, like her, while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil at your kitchen bench, grab the edge of the counter and do a few gentle heel raises or side leg lifts. This will keep your ankles strong and flexible and distract you from how long the kettle actually takes.
The “TV-Watching” Wrist & Finger Wiggle:
Nonna never watched a show without her knitting needles flying. If you’re sitting on the lounge watching the news, don’t turn into a statue. Roll your wrists, flex your fingers, or do a few gentle shoulder rolls. Keep the joints guessing!
The Morning Coffee Shuffle:
Before you even sit down for that first sip of coffee or tea, do three big, gentle shoulder rolls and a soft stretch to the sky. Tell your joints the day has officially started before they have time to lodge a formal complaint.
Did your grandmother have any great old-school health habits passed down that still work for you today? Tanya would love to hear your favorite stories—send them through to [email protected]!
Get fit. Have fun. Make friends!
To learn more about staying active with Tanya, visit the Active and Healthy website here for details on her Aquafit4Life and Chairfit4Life classes.