Embracing Self-Care: Insights from Dr. Amy Shah and the Starrets

The latest episode of the Save Yourself podcast features an engaging discussion with the dynamic duo, Juliet and Kelly Starret. This episode focuses on the essence of taking responsibility for our own health through nutrition, mindset, exercise, and community. It emphasizes the importance of self-care and how to literally save ourselves from various health risks as we age.

The Shift in Mindset

Many people grow up believing that a doctor or medication will be the solution to their health problems. However, the Starrets challenge this notion by encouraging individuals to take charge of their own health. They discuss the significance of maintaining muscle mass, preventing falls, and improving overall function rather than just aesthetics.

Meet the Starrets

Juliet Starret is an entrepreneur, attorney, author, and co-founder of The Ready State, where she focuses on musculoskeletal self-care and recovery. Dr. Kelly Starret, a doctor of physical therapy, is dedicated to helping people move better and feel better, working with elite athletes and military personnel. Together, they have developed approaches to movement and health that emphasize durability and functionality.

Base Camp: The Foundation of Health

In their conversation, the Starrets introduce the concept of Base Camp, which refers to the essential health practices that everyone should master before moving on to more advanced health strategies. These practices include:

Sleeping 7 to 8 hours a night
Eating fruits and vegetables
Consuming adequate protein
Walking regularly
Sitting on the ground
Building strong relationships

These foundational habits are crucial for overall health and should not be overlooked in favor of trendy supplements or complex fitness regimes.

Movement and Mobility: The Importance of Function

As we age, maintaining mobility becomes increasingly important. The Starrets emphasize the need to incorporate movement into daily life. They encourage practices like:

Sitting on the floor to improve hip flexibility and overall mobility
Engaging in exercises that promote hip extension to prevent injuries
Utilizing breathing exercises to enhance lung capacity and overall health

They point out that many cultures maintain mobility by incorporating these practices into daily life, highlighting the stark contrast to modern sedentary lifestyles.

Addressing Modern Challenges

With the rise of technology, many individuals find themselves hunched over phones and computers. The Starrets suggest integrating simple movements into the day to counteract this posture, such as:

Hanging from a bar to stretch out the upper body
Practicing yoga or Pilates to improve flexibility and strength

They stress that while technology is unavoidable, we must be intentional about our movement habits.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In a world filled with distractions and misinformation about health, the Starrets provide a refreshing perspective on self-care. They remind us that the basics of health—sleep, nutrition, movement, and relationships—are essential for longevity and vitality. By mastering these foundational habits, we can ensure that our bodies remain capable and resilient as we age.

For more insights and to explore their programs, check out The Ready State and the Starret System. Together, we can all learn to prioritize our health and truly save ourselves.