Forget Those Senior Moments And Ease Into A Physically Active Way Of Life

Forget Those Senior Moments and Ease into a Physically Active Way of Life

As we get older, our bodies tend to want to stay at rest. The secret to a long and healthy life comes from keeping our bodies active. So many things depend on maintaining a daily exercise routine. Besides the obvious benefits of keeping our weight under control, researchers have also concluded that daily exercise helps us sleep better, strengthens our bones and muscles and lowers the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The risk of diabetes and even some kinds of cancer can also be lessened by regular exercise

In fact, the reasons that we typically feel disinclined to exercise, low energy and pain in our joints, can be affected by exercise. Researches have discovered that people who exercise regularly have more energy and experience relief from arthritis. Participating in a regular exercise routine (30 minutes of activity five or more days a week is enough to improve overall health), the increase in energy and the feeling of well-being is enough to keep us going. What do we do, though, if we’ve fallen into a routine of staying put and eating poorly (the largest underlying causes of death in the United States)? How can we get back into a healthy, active lifestyle?

The first hint is to ease into it. Start with things you enjoy doing and feel confident you can accomplish. Remember that exercise doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym! Combine exercise with activities you already like to do. Go for a walk with the grandchildren while you’re taking care of them. Lift some light weights or stretch out your muscles and flex your joints while enjoying your favorite television program. Just a little bit of exercise will give you the energy and motivation to do more, and your body, with each increase in exercise, will become able to exercise for longer periods of time.

To keep up your motivation, make a list of all the health benefits you will experience as you become more fit and active. Make sure and include all the things being fit allows you to do. Review the list each day, add anything you think of, and check off the benefits as you begin to enjoy them.

As you begin a regular exercise program, remember not to overdo it. If you feel stiff or sore a couple of hours after exercising, cut back a little bit. Don’t let aches and pains stop you from activity all together. Remember that you don’t have to perform a full day’s exercise all at once. A walk in the morning, some yard work in the afternoon, and lifting some light weights in the evening is just as good, and may be more enjoyable than a prolonged workout. Another good way to stay motivated is to take friends along. Not only will the activity be more enjoyable for you, but you’ll be helping them stay fit and active as well.

Next you may want to examine your diet. Remember, diet is closely tied to energy and health. The more fresh fruits and vegetables you eat, the better you’ll feel and the more active you’ll be able to become. Talk to your doctor about the right diet for you.

Eventually, you’ll find that you’re exercising without much effort at all, and you’ll be experiencing the health benefits that you wrote down on your list. Always keep in mind that additional activity produces additional benefits.

Low impact exercise can help ease any joint pain that might result from exercise. Bicycling (either on a stationary bike or outdoors) provides a great cardiovascular workout and is gentle on the knees. Swimming (especially in warm water) is another excellent way to save wear and tear on your joints. The Arthritis Foundation provides a warm-water exercise program at a number of locations, for those who are interested.

For those who want a more directed exercise regimen, local gyms or senior centers have everything from light aerobic workouts to weight programs that will allow you to engage the expertise of an instructor in your exercise program.

No matter how we do it—yard work, walks with grandchildren or friends, light exercise in front of the television, or trips to the local gym—becoming and staying active is the secret to a healthy lifestyle. If you haven’t been keeping up with regular exercise, ease into it. The benefits will come quickly, and you’ll wonder why you waited so long to get fit.