Blog #286
Exercise over 50!
As we get older, it gets more difficult to exercise if we don't keep up with it and be consistent every day!
Our muscles weaken, our bones get brittle, our stamina may fade. Whatever the reasons, they are not good enough to stop exercising altogether!
We just need to find other ways to move our bodies without hurting them. We need to find other ways perhaps to stay motivated and active!
Yes, we are not in our younger years any longer, but that doesn't mean we are ready to retire our bodies just yet does it?! I mean it's not like we can turn our older bodies in for newer ones! But we can keep them in shape for our age and live a long, healthy life! We only have one body given to us for life, we need to keep it mobile both physically and mentally.
We can stay strong and stay active no matter what our age.
If you are still capable of going to the gym, jogging, or even bicycling that's super fantastic!
If you can't do that kind of exercise any longer, or you never liked that kind of exercise to begin with, try these exercise tips! Just any kind of movement and exercise is better than doing nothing at all! Don't become an over 50 couch potato! And no – using the hand remote is not exercise!
Here are some great exercises you can do!
Aerobic exercise - Aerobic exercise works the large muscles in your body, benefiting your cardiovascular system and your weight. Work up to getting 20 or more minutes per session, 3 or 4 days a week. Make sure you can pass the “talk test,” which means exercising at a pace that lets you carry on a conversation.
Strength training - Lifting hand weights improves your strength and posture, maintains bone strength, reduces the risk of lower back injury, and also helps you tone. Start with a hand weight that you can comfortably handle. Start off with 10 repetitions and gradually add more reps until you can complete 20 or more.
Stretching - Stretching exercises help maintain flexibility and range of motion in joints. They also reduce the risk of injury to muscles and reduce soreness. Try yoga or pilates they build core-body strength and increase stability.
Walking, swimming, kayaking, and even dancing are great exercises for your body at any age!
Every bit of movement counts. Research shows that all those extra steps you take during the day add up to big health benefits. Here are some ideas to get you walking:
Go for walks every day with a neighbor, family or friend.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator. At home, go up and down your stairs during the day.
Get up and talk with co-workers. Go outside at lunch time and walk around the building or grounds. Walk with a co-worker!
Walk quickly whenever you can. Bring your sneakers with you, or leave in your car so that your feet can be comfortable and your main mode of transportation.
Exercising over 50 does not have to be limited - Find a sport, game, or activity that you like. You’ll stay committed to exercising if you’re doing something that you really enjoy.
Keep your heart healthy an avoid Dr. Visits just by exercising regularly!
Being over 50 does not mean that exercise has to stop! Find your routine and stay in shape! It does a body good! It does your body good!