How And Why Seniors Should Start Exercising
Physical activity is important – at every age. Getting started exercising doesn’t have to be difficult but it does require a little knowledge to do it right. Before you start an exercise program, we need to consider several things.
Advancing age is not for the faint of heart. The body goes through even more changes than when you experienced puberty. It can seem almost like an appliance whose warranty has just expired. Everything that can go wrong seems to start going wrong. The concept here is to minimize the rate of these changes and enjoy the greatest quality of life for the longest time period you can.
You are not a mechnical device like an automobile, however, your body is still a very complex machine. To keep it running in tiptop shape for your entire life, it needs the right amount of maintenance and attention. When we were twenty, we could go without paying a lot of attention to the care of our body, but lack of exercise has a more profound effect on us when we reach fifty and beyond.
Do not worry though. The human body responds well to good food and lots of movement. You can feel invigorated even after you get older, but with more wisdom about how to keep your body running smoothly.
Let’s learn about several things that must be done before beginning an exercise program, particularly if you have been sedentary for an extended time period.
1. Visit your doctor – This point can’t be stressed enough. As we get older, our body composition changes. We are prone to different problems and conditions. Visit with your physician first to ensure that you are in the best health possible before starting an exercise routine. Your physician will be able to guide you with any necessary dietary and exercise restrictions.
2. Know your limitations – No one likes to admit that there are things they can’t do but it will keep you from getting injured or worse. If you have joint pain, engage in exercises that will not put excessive stress on your joints.
3. Begin gradually, slow and steady wins the race. Slow and steady really does win the race – the race of being fit for life. You are more likely to stick with physical activity when you ease into it and find your own comfortable pace.
4. Investigate what activities you can perform based on you individual health condition and limitations. On the basis of your medical condition and any limitations you may have, decide upon an exercise regimen that will provide you with the benefits without causing you injury or distress.
5. Carefully consider you nutritional status, exercise will not help you much if your nutrition is poor. Learn how you can alter your eating habits to maximize your nutrition and maintain your weight. Of course you need proper nutrition and to experience rapid weight loss , if you need to, in order to maximize your health.
6. If you are overweight consider engaging in a weight loss program – Excess body weight is the cause of numerous, if not the majority of health problems you can encounter and being overweight will cause you to deteriorate at a much faster rate than you otherwise would
Now that we have discussed several things that you should do before you get started, we will dispel several myths about exercise in older adults. A well thought out diet and exercise will work to slow the rate of physical decline that all of us experience with age. It will also service to enhance your quality of life, so you can get greater enjoyment out of your “golden” years. As we discussed earlier, diet and exercise is most important for people over fifty years in age because the rate of change in your body is greatest in these years and your ability to slow these changes is greatest if you keep your body active during this period of your life.
If you are an older adult, it is important for you to know that those negative stories about starting an exercise program are not quite true.
Why does getting older have to mean that you are relegated to a rocking chair? No one wants to be put out to pasture unless they are a cow. Since you are not, getting older doesn’t have to rob you of your independence or your carefree lifestyle.
Seniors can improve the quality of their lives with physical activity. Fitness is important to all of us no matter what our age. You can almost feel the hands of time turn back when you keep your body in the best shape possible.
Many members of the younger generation are adopting a sedentary lifestyle. They spend hours sitting in front of video games. As a roll model, you can set an example to the youth of today that getting and staying healthy is the best way to have the life that you want.
To get you moving and motivated, we have to dispel myths about exercise and age.
1. “I am too old to start working out.” This is FALSE. You are never too old to perform some sort of physical activity to better your health. In the beginning, you may have a few restrictions depending on your present condition, but that doesn’t have to stop you.
2. “Aerobics are too rigorous and I could break a hip.” Most hip fractures are the result of falls not exercise. And, aerobics doesn’t have to be a high impact, jumping-jack session. Light to moderate aerobic activity keeps your body moving and improves conditioning so you can handle a more intense session at some time in the future. Aerobic exercise is a great way to enjoy rapid weight loss and the benefits of losing weight.
3. “Exercise at my age can cause a heart attack.” Exercise can actually reduce your risk of heart disease, but it’s definitely important to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Stick to your doctor’s recommendations and you are more likely to succeed.
4. “I weigh too much.” This is one of the best reasons to exercise. It is true that our metabolisms slow down as we age, but that can also be corrected with proper diet and strength training exercises. You can still lose weight and feel great. There are always various exercises that you can engage in if you’re overweight until you are ready to do more.
5. “I will hurt myself if I lift weights.” Strength training is the best way to elevate your metabolism, and strenthen your bones to prevent fractures. You can begin with dumbbells weighing as little as two pounds and do exercises that will result in toned muscles and increased bone strength.
What have you been told about exercise? If any of the above quotes are applicable then you have fallen for the exercise myth. If you desire to be active, by all means, proceed. Become fit for life!
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