SolveYourProblem eLearning Series:
I'm an Active Senior
Who Wants To Stay Healthy
( 50 aticles in this series )

How To Stay Motivated While Exercising
   

There is a large amount of evidence that exercise can lead to longer, healthier lives. It can prevent and even help manage some diseases. A good exercise program can help with management of cholesterol, lower blood pressure, burn unnecessary fat, assist with blood sugar levels, promote bone density, keep the immune system in check, and improve mood by preventing depression. One of the biggest problems with exercise, though, is staying motivated.

To assist with motivation, one thing you can do is exercise at work. Because sitting for long periods of time can cause body strain, taking tiny five minute exercise breaks during your workday can help keep you motivated and energized. These little breaks will help keep you going all day, which might make you a bit more productive. One thing you can do is stretch. Get out of your chair and try to touch your toes. Close the door to your office for a few minutes and do some calf stretches against the wall. Another mini-break exercise you can do is a little yoga. There are a number of informational sources devoted to yoga poses you can do at your desk. It will not only relax, you, it might help you refocus on your task as well. You might also try a little strength training. Try lifting a full soda can for a few minutes. It's not much, but it will keep the blood flowing to your muscles. You could also keep some small hand or ankle weights in your desk and achieve the desired effect. It might also help to take a quick walk, or use the stairs instead of the elevator. This should elevate your pulse and you’re breathing a little, which might help with some endurance exercise sessions in the future.

Another way to increase your fitness motivation is dancing your way to good health. Dancing is an amazing activity. It can transport you to an entirely different era or planet for that matter. While your mind relaxes in the beauty of dance, your body gets an amazing workout that you are actually enjoying. In addition to the physical workout you get, your brain gets some exercise by remembering the dance steps. Building those brain pathways can help with the prevention of memory loss. Dancing can help build muscles without joint pain. It can also tone the body and assist with balance issues. Moreover, it is a great activity for seniors because you have the ability to change your level of participation at any point in time. If you're getting tired, sit the next dance out. You could also try simply slowing your dance steps. If you've never danced before, contact your local community college or dance school to see if they offer classes in a dance you're interested in. Forms of dance you might want to look into include square dancing, swing dancing, line dancing, folk dancing, ballroom dancing, belly dancing, salsa dancing, flamenco dancing, jazz dancing, tap dancing, modern dancing, and clogging. It is most important, though, that you choose a level of dance that you can enjoy.

One way to stay motivated during fitness is to design a fitness plan that is right for you. There are four main areas of fitness that seniors should focus on: endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance. It is best to design a plan that includes all four of these elements. For example, you may choose to engage in an endurance activity like dancing three days a week. Dancing will help with your balance and flexibility as well. To balance it out, you may decide to engage in some strength training activity like martial arts two days a week. Whatever plan you choose for yourself, there are a few keys to keeping yourself motivated with any plan. First, start slowly. If you shoot out of the gate too quickly with a new fitness routine, it can lead to soreness and injury. Second, be sure that you enjoy whatever fitness activities you have chosen. Boredom leads to abandonment of exercise. Be sure your new exercise plan fits into your daily routine. If you don't have time to exercise, chances are good that you won't find time. You might also try finding an exercise buddy. Friends tend to motivate each other. Also, track your progress and reward yourself for success. Fitness is never easy, but staying motivated is one of the keys to good health.

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by SolveYourProblem.com : 2006

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