| SolveYourProblem
eLearning Series:
I'm an Active Senior
Who Wants To Stay Healthy
( 50 aticles in this series )
Choosing
a Fitness Program:
Questions Seniors Should Ask
“Being
fit” simply defined, basically means
that you are able to perform all the functions that you need
to perform on a day to day basis. Other people would say that
it is about appearances or particular read-outs of cholesterol
and blood tests. Knowing that one is fit is much different
than trying to breakdown what fit is into labels and definitions.
A fit person will say that they have energy, can get everything
done that they need to on average, and that they are happy
or satisfied with how their clothes fits them.
If you are a senior in search of a good fitness program, you
may be wondering how they will define fit or define you. They
all will advertise their benefits like billboard signs on a
highway telling you that you just passed the best restaurant
in the world when you drove past exit 25. Before you turn around
to examine every program which wants you to join it, it is
good to ask a few questions to yourself first. After you know
what you are looking for in a fitness program, you will know
what questions to ask them.
Your
doctor should be able to direct you in appropriate directions
to start out. His office may be connected with another institution
which offers classes, personal training, nutritionists and
clubs. The fact that your doctor has connections with fitness
programs may possibly make him or her fewer objectives about
listening to what you like to do for physical activity and
wellness, so know that you don’t have to play badminton every
Tuesday for the rest of your life if you don’t want. Let your
doctor know what you want. If you feel that fit would mean
that you can reach the top shelf without getting out of breath
or if you want to be able to walk/run five miles a day, then
get that specific. Having you sign up with a square dancing
club when you would rather be able to walk on the golf course
is not going to keep you motivated in your fitness program.
Other questions that you should ask yourself include:
- Do I want to workout with people in a class or group sport?
- Do I want to build strength or maintain it?
- Does my workout need to help me burn more calories?
- Would I stay more motivated if I could just take walks with
a friend every morning?
- What health concerns do I have?
The senior body is as diverse as humans are in general. Make
sure that you ask yourself exactly what you want out of a workout,
but be open to suggestions. There may be a sport or activity
out there which you would absolutely love. Staying open to
new opportunities keeps the mind young and curious too.
If you have consulted with your doctor and yourself about
what you want, it is still possible that you will have to come
back to the drawing board a few times. This depends of course,
on what, if any, conditions you have which may make a certain
exercise more strain on your body than its worth. Your doctor
will not always know exactly how your body will react. Keeping
an open mind toward your doctor, your body and any place you
go to participate in a fitness program will make the process
easier. Most fitness programs are accustomed to people trying
them on a trial basis. Make sure that they offer at
least a week trial that is free, so you do not get wrapped into a contract
for something you will not be able to use. The trial period
should be long enough for your body to tell you whether you
will enjoy the activities which they provide.
Another key to success with finding an appropriate exercise
program for you is to let yourself take everything slowly.
The body does not like abrupt change under most circumstances.
Let your body get adjusted gently. Most fitness programs are
incorporating cross training elements which means that you
might walk on a treadmill one day, then do swim aerobics the
next. Your body will need to absorb the various pressures and
stretches you will be putting on it. Agree with yourself that
you will apply only the most moderate levels exertion in the
beginning of your fitness plan.
# # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
> Home > Healthy
Seniors Articles : Main Page
|
