Keep Moving as You Age
By Donna Stark
Do you think those daily aches and pains are just a sign that you are getting older and that it's too late in your life to start exercising? Think again. It's always a good idea to improve your overall health and fitness and you most definitely can reap the benefits of physical activity, no matter what your age. So, what do you say? Are you ready to lose the pain and would you like to see an improvement with many of your health issues? If so, change into some comfortable clothes. It's time to get moving!
It's All About Movement
The general recommendation for older adults is that they try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day, but don't worry! You're not going to be training for a marathon and you certainly don't have to engage in any extreme sports. You just need to get your body moving. Here are some reasons why exercise is so important during the later years of life.
- Decreases the risk and slows the progression of joint degeneration
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Alleviates muscle pain and joint discomfort
- Promotes healthy weight management
- Boosts mental and emotional health
- Increases mobility and independence with day-to-day tasks
Now that you understand the reasons why exercise is important, the next step is to figure out what you like to do and which activities you will stay committed to.
Creating Your Fitness Program
Whether you still enjoy the thrill of competition or prefer something calmer, the perfect fitness program is easy to create. Take a look at some of the ideas below to get you started.
- Strength training - Strength training helps to keep your bones strong, your mind sharp, and your balance and stability on point. It also helps to reduce the risk of age-related muscle loss, which will make your days much easier to get through. Know your physical limits before starting, but don't be afraid to challenge yourself.
- Sports - From golf to racquetball to pickleball, there are so many ways to become involved with some friendly competition. Just make sure you are playing with the correct form and proper equipment. We don't want any unnecessary injuries to occur!
- Solo workouts - Do you like peace and quiet or prefer to work out on your own? There are plenty of options for you too! Aquatic exercise, tai chi, yoga, walking, cycling, and even gardening can give your body exactly what it needs.
Better Health Ahead!
Choosing activities you enjoy the most will help motivate you to stick with your new fitness routine! And if you want even more motivation to get you moving, ask a friend or family member to join in. It could end up being a lot of fun for everyone involved!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Jacksonville, Fla.