Physical Activity Now for Better Health Later
By Donna Stark
As people go through the aging process, it is common for them to experience a loss of mobility, and as a result, many may start to live a more sedentary life. What's worse is when a cane, walker, or wheelchair are thrown into the mix because when that happens, it's pretty much guaranteed there won't be much movement at all! If you are hoping to stay functionally independent when you reach the later years of your life, you should start taking the necessary precautions to keep that from happening! And one of the most important precautions you can take is to stay as physically active as you can right now!
You Can't Go Wrong With Physical Activity
Sadly, many people believe that their loss of mobility is just another factor of aging, but that couldn't be further from the truth! It actually has more to do with your inactive lifestyle right now, so keep your body moving. From muscle weakness to joint stiffness to poor balance, living your present life without motion can quickly become a hazard to your future health.
Living an Active Life
The good news is you don't have to exercise for hours on end every day to make a difference. You just need to incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your daily routine. Here are some great tips on how to maintain your present health and protect your future mobility and independence.
- Get moving - If you are sitting more often than you are moving, some serious changes need to occur. Building and maintaining muscle is vital for your future body, so add an extra walk into your days, try a new form of exercise, or start your mornings off with some light stretching.
- Improve your balance skills - Some of the most common injuries that occur as we age are directly caused by accidental falls, so maintaining and improving your balance skills is a must! But don't worry, there are no balance beams in your future. You can work on these skills with simple exercises found online.
- Increase your strength - With low to moderate strength-training exercises, you can build muscle, strengthen your joints, and improve your overall fitness level. And if you aren't sure about what kind of exercises are appropriate for your age, just ask a professional trainer or your doctor.
Ensuring Good Health for the Future
You're planning for your future financial security so why not plan for your future health too? Make the commitment today to protect your mobility by increasing your level of physical activity. Just like those pennies you are saving, small changes in your habits can make a huge impact too!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Huntingdon Valley, Pa.