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eLearning Series:
I'm an Active Senior
Who Wants To Stay Healthy
( 50 aticles in this series )
Seniors:
Ease Into a Physically Active Lifestyle
As we get older, our bodies tend to want to
stay at rest. The secret to a long and healthy life
comes from keeping our bodies active. So many things depend on maintaining
a daily exercise routine. Besides the obvious benefits of keeping
our weight under control, researchers have also concluded that
daily exercise helps us sleep better, strengthens our bones
and muscles and lowers the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol
and high blood pressure. The risk of diabetes and even some
kinds of cancer can also be lessened by regular exercise
In fact, the reasons
that we typically feel disinclined to exercise, low energy and pain in our joints, can be affected
by exercise. Researches have discovered that people who exercise
regularly have more energy and experience relief from arthritis.
Participating in a regular exercise routine (30 minutes of
activity five or more days a week is enough to improve overall
health), the increase in energy and the feeling of well-being
is enough to keep us going. What do we do, though, if we’ve
fallen into a routine of staying put and eating poorly (the
largest underlying causes of death in the United States)? How
can we get back into a healthy, active lifestyle?
The
first hint is to ease into it. Start with things you enjoy
doing and feel confident you can accomplish. Remember that
exercise doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym! Combine exercise
with activities you already like to do. Go for a walk with
the grandchildren while you’re taking care of them. Lift some
light weights or stretch out your muscles and flex your joints
while enjoying your favorite television program. Just a little
bit of exercise will give you the energy and motivation to
do more, and your body, with each increase in exercise, will
become able to exercise for longer periods of time.
To
keep up your motivation, make a list of all the health
benefits you will experience as you become more fit and active.
Make sure and include all the things being fit allows you to
do. Review the list each day, add anything you think of, and
check off the benefits as you begin to enjoy them.
As you begin a regular exercise program, remember
not to overdo it. If you feel stiff or sore a couple of hours after exercising,
cut back a little bit. Don’t let aches and pains stop you from
activity all together. Remember that you don’t have to perform
a full day’s exercise all at once. A walk in the morning, some
yard work in the afternoon, and lifting some light weights
in the evening is just as good, and may be more enjoyable than
a prolonged workout. Another good way to stay motivated is
to take friends along. Not only will the activity be more enjoyable
for you, but you’ll be helping them stay fit and active as
well.
Next you may want to examine
your diet. Remember, diet is
closely tied to energy and health. The more fresh fruits and
vegetables you eat, the better you’ll feel and the more active
you’ll be able to become. Talk to your doctor about the right
diet for you.
Eventually, you’ll find that you’re exercising without much
effort at all, and you’ll be experiencing the health benefits
that you wrote down on your list. Always keep in mind that
additional activity produces additional benefits.
Low
impact exercise can help ease any joint pain that might
result from exercise. Bicycling (either on a stationary bike
or outdoors) provides a great cardiovascular workout and is
gentle on the knees. Swimming (especially in warm water) is
another excellent way to save wear and tear on your joints.
The Arthritis Foundation provides a warm-water exercise program
at a number of locations, for those who are interested.
For those who want a more directed exercise regimen, local
gyms or senior centers have everything from light aerobic
workouts to weight programs that will allow you to engage the expertise
of an instructor in your exercise program.
No matter how we do it—yard work, walks with grandchildren
or friends, light exercise in front of the television, or trips
to the local gym—becoming and staying active is the secret
to a healthy lifestyle. If you haven’t been keeping up with
regular exercise, ease into it. The benefits will come quickly,
and you’ll wonder why you waited so long to get fit. Click here to discover my current SolveYourProblem recommendation and choice pick for the fastest, easiest and best exercise / fitness solution you'll find anywhere. Get it and reward yourself with more more energy and a healthier life.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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