Get Moving and Stay Moving No Matter What Your Age Is
By Donna Stark
Have you heard the saying, "Fitness isn't a sprint, it's a marathon!"? Well, it's true! The accumulation of fitness over your lifetime matters so much more than that marathon you ran 10 years ago or the kickboxing class you and your friends took in your early 20s. If you want optimal health throughout your entire life, you have to exercise consistently. And while the aging process is certainly different for each individual, there is one definite truth. You can live your best, most active life no matter how old you are!
Exercise Through the Ages
Whether you are 9 years old or 99, it's important to stay as active as you can. Sure, age will play a role in the type of activities you participate in and how often you can participate, but for the most part, there will usually be a way that you can move your body. Focusing on strength, coordination, cardiovascular fitness, and mobility should be your mission at every age, so let's take a look at how you can do so during the different stages of life.
Children and Teens
Children and teens should get 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity. Ideally, a wide range of activities is preferable. This is an important time to build strength and bone density, so mix up the fitness routine with some of the following choices.
- Running, biking, hiking
- Sit-ups, push-ups, rope climbing
- Jumping, skipping, weightlifting
Obviously, there are plenty of organized sports programs for kids that offer plenty of training and would make a great choice as well!
Adults
Adults need to focus on several important factors when it comes to their fitness routine if they want to maintain and continue setting the foundation for their future quality of life. Take a look at some of these factors below.
- Increasing bone density
- Working on posture
- Improving balance
- Strengthening the heart and muscles
Adults need at least 30 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous exercise a day. Some good options to choose from are running, organized sports, hiking, weight training, walking, and cycling.
Seniors
Although older adults should try to get the same amount of exercise as younger adults, their workouts may need to be altered as health conditions start to set in and the body becomes weaker. It's important to continue including the following as much as possible in their fitness routine.
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Strength training
- Balance exercises
- Stretching
Many seniors opt for low-impact exercises during this stage of their life because these types of exercise are much easier on the joints than others. These include walking, cycling, dancing, swimming, and yoga.
A Healthy Life
Staying fit throughout every stage of your life is vital for your overall well-being, but don't be discouraged if you are late to the game because it's never too late to improve the state of your health! So get moving and stay moving for as long as you can!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Littleton, Colo.