One of the BEST Core Exercises for Real Life 🛍️

Published: Sat, 01/10/26

A health newsletter for adults over 60 who want to live fully, stay engaged in life, and continue doing what they love!

One of the Best Core Exercises for Real Life

Most of us carry weight on one side every single day — groceries, a purse, a laundry basket, a backpack, even a suitcase. But very few people train their bodies to handle that imbalance well.

When you carry weight on one side, your body has to work harder to stay upright. This is where your core comes in.

Your core isn’t just your abs.

Your core includes the muscles around your trunk, hips, and lower back that help keep you stable when something pulls you off center. These muscles play a huge role in balance, walking confidence, and fall prevention.

When the core isn’t doing its job well, the body often compensates by:

Leaning to one side
Taking shorter or shuffling steps
Feeling unsteady when carrying everyday items

Over time, those compensations can increase stress on the knees, hips, and back — and raise the risk of losing balance.

This is why I often use one-sided carries in training.

Holding weight on one side teaches your body to:

Stay centered under uneven load
Activate core and hip stabilizers naturally
Improve posture and walking stability
Build strength that transfers directly to daily life

You don’t need heavy weight for this to be effective. Lighter weight is still effective and can be safer— especially if balance is a concern.

How to Practice The One-Arm Carry

Hold an object in one hand (a grocery bag, dumbbell, or even a milk jug)
Stand tall and walk slowly for about 10 seconds
Switch sides

Use a counter or wall for light support if needed and focus on posture, not speed. If you notice yourself leaning, that’s useful feedback. Slow down, reset, and continue. Small adjustments matter.

Why This Matters

This exercise doesn’t just build strength — it builds confidence. Confidence carrying groceries, walking through parking lots, navigating uneven ground, and moving through daily life with more control.

Try this once a day, and look for ways to incorporate this exercise into your daily activities. When you do this exercise you’re training movement that prepares you for real life!

I recorded a 1 minute video which I've included below detailing this exercise. Check it out:

Have a Wonderful Week!

Kristen Nielsen

Welcome Our Newest Personal Trainer: Alex

I’m excited to introduce you to Alex Oliver, the newest personal trainer joining TogetherWON.

Alex believes something I care deeply about too: movement is medicine. Not because it makes people “fit,” but because it helps older adults feel more confident, capable, and independent in everyday life.

His passion for strength training started back in high school, but it truly took shape while he was working as a caregiver. During that time, Alex saw firsthand how losing strength and mobility can quietly shrink someone’s world—making daily tasks harder and independence feel farther away. That experience stuck with him and helped define his purpose.

Today, Alex combines his education in personal training and health science with experience as a nationally competitive athlete to help older adults stay strong, steady, and engaged in the life they love. His focus isn’t on pushing people beyond their limits—it’s on helping them move better, feel safer, and enjoy life more fully.

We’re grateful to have Alex as part of the TogetherWON team, and I know many of you will appreciate his thoughtful, encouraging approach.

Alex is now accepting new clients. Reach out if you would like him to bring his expertise to your home.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Alex

Easy Healthy Meatball Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon black pepper
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
12–16 pre-made turkey or chicken meatballs
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 zucchini or a handful of spinach

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft.
Stir in turmeric and black pepper and cook for 30 seconds.
Add broth, carrots, and celery. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the meatballs and cook for 15–20 minutes.
Stir in zucchini or spinach during the last few minutes.
Season to taste and serve warm.

Why This Soup Helps Your Body

Protein supports muscle and joint stability
Healthy fats and spices help manage inflammation
Warm, hydrating foods can ease stiffness and support recovery

Do you have a tasty, healthy recipe to contribute? If so, I'd love to hear from you!!! Email me at kristen@togetherwon.com

Start Your Freedom Journey

Want to strengthen your body, sharpen your brain, and improve your balance?

TogetherWON offers personalized, in-home, personal and small group training tailored to your unique needs.

Call today to schedule a FREE consultation and Body-Brain-Balance Baseline to understand where you are and where you can go. 719-286-9540

Email: Kristen@TogetherWon.com

Phone: 719-286-9450

Website: www.TogetherWon.com

Caregiver Program: www.Strong.TogetherWon.com

Kristen Nielsen
Functional Aging Specialist

2021 Walnut Creek Court
Colorado Springs Colorado 80921
US

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