Get your own healthy fit
17 Sep
Many difficulties of aging are linked to an inactive lifestyle. And while your chronological age may be 55, your biological age can be 35 — if you follow a consistent exercise program.
For women over 50, regular physical activity may help tame some of the symptoms of menopause — hot flashes, joint pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Exercise also reduces heart disease risk, osteoporosis and diabetes risk, helps control weight — and even melts belly fat.
If you’ve exercised regularly before hitting 50, you’re at an advantage: You probably already follow these fitness tips. But if you didn’t exercise regularly, it’s not too late to start.
That’s why, if exercise could be bottled, everyone would take it! The adds that the effects of exercise are so potent, it influences every physiological system in the body for the better.
Ready to start? First, check with your doctor. If you’re over age 40, or have risk factors for heart disease (smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or family history), it’s especially important that you see a doctor first.
Fitness Tips: The Basic Package
A complete fitness program must include aerobic exercise, muscle strength conditioning, and stretching for flexibility.
1. Aerobic exercise: Walking, jogging, and dance-exercise are good forms of aerobic exercise. They work the large muscles in your body, which benefits your cardiovascular system — and your weight. Work up to getting 20 or more minutes per session, three or four days a week. Exercise at a pace that lets you carry on a conversation — what’s known as the “talk test.”
2. Strength training: Lifting hand weights improves your strength and posture, reduces the risk of lower back injury, and also helps you tone. Start with a hand weight that you can comfortably handle for 8 repetitions. Gradually add more until you can complete 12 reps.
3. Stretching: Stretching exercises help maintain flexibility and range of motion in joints. They also reduce the risk of injury and muscle soreness. Yoga and Pilates are good forms of stretching exercise; they build core body strength and increase stability.
Find Reasons to Be Active
Another fitness tip: Every little bit of movement counts, so move, if even a little. If you’re too busy for a regular workout, just look for opportunities to be in motion. Research shows that a significant number of health benefits come from all those extra steps you take during a day’s time.
A few more fitness tips and “moving” ideas:
If you’re traveling, take your walking shoes with you. With comfortable shoes, your feet can be your main mode of transportation.
Leave a reply