The Importance of Fitness Over 50
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Got Life? Get Exercise!
Ladies, if you are grimacing at this motto, I encourage you to read on! Exercise IS the fountain of youth!
Being healthy goes beyond the “feel good” aspects of working out yet so many women remain skeptical about starting an exercise program.
Have you ever used any of these excuses; “I don’t want to bulk up”, I’m too tired”, “too busy” , “I don’t have time” “it doesn’t really matter anymore” , “I’m too old” or “it’s too late in my life for change.” None of these EXCUSES are valid. Besides the added benefit of weight loss and toning, exercise can and will make you more youthful, agile, provide clearer thinking and make a profound difference to your life!
Why Should I Bother Exercising?
Research states there are many reasons to begin a workout regimen. Individuals who exercise on a regular basis benefit from the following:
• Decreased Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
• Decreased Risk for Osteoporosis
• Decreased Risk for Heart Disease
• Less Likely to Develop Certain Cancers
• Have Positive changes in Blood Lipid Profile
When an individual works out on a regular, consistent basis, they generally:
• Maintain a Healthy Weight
• Increase Metabolism
• Improve Cardiovascular Health
• Effectively Control Arthritic Pain and Swelling
• Maintain Muscle Mass, Which We Lose As We Age
• Continue to perform day to day “function training” i.e. pushing a cart or carrying groceries, even as we age.
• Improved Self Esteem
• Empowerment
• Experience overall feeling of “wellbeing” and feeling healthy
• And more!
Who Should Exercise?
You should!! Just pick an activity you enjoy!
• Walking (even in the mall counts)
• Hula hooping
• Hip Hop
• Bicycling
• Ballroom dancing
• Ballet
• Kick Boxing
• Softball
• Running
• Strength training
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Even gardening counts! Just move your body!!!
How Much Exercise Do I Need?
Exercise is very specific to each woman’s goals. Generally speaking, one should have 30 minutes accumulative of moderate activity, on most days.
Moderate activity is defined by cardiovascular activity which raises your heart rate, without leaving you breathless. So for you ladies who are “too busy,” I challenge you to find 3 - 10 minute segments in your day! For example, 10 minutes on your lunch hour and a walk after dinner would suffice! For those of you who exercise to a higher intensity, you will achieve even greater health benefits! For optimum health results, one should include cardio, strength training and stretching to your workout program.
The Key to Exercising SuccessConsistency and commitment is all you need to be successful! Plan your activities. Schedule exercising into your daily planner just like you do for your hair or dental appointment. Stick to it!!!Push though the first few sessions and you will soon be another woman hooked on that “feel good” feeling, only exercise can give! The “negative attitude” towards exercise will be a thing of the past!
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So, isn’t it time to get started! The healthier, happier more confident you, awaits!
To your health!
