Getting older does not mean that you should not work out. In fact, it is the key to independence and a good quality of life as you age.
Regular exercise has been proven to strengthen joints, rebuild muscle, and increase metabolism. It can also stop or delay serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
You need three things in place to be healthy and active over fifty.
First, you need a purpose. Why do you want to be active? Why does your health matter to you?
Second, you need a plan. What will you do to workout? What days and times will you be working out each week?
And lastly, you need accountability. You can achieve this by joining a class, hiring a personal trainer, meeting up with a friend, or just including it on your calendar.
While impact exercises may be too much in the beginning, walking, biking, and swimming are excellent options to improve your cardiovascular health. But don’t forget to build your muscles too. A regular strength training regimen helps to build muscle and also help stabilize joints to improve your balance.
Good balance is one of the best and most important ways to prevent a fall and a potentially serious injury. You can also decrease your risk of falling by enrolling in a balance practice class such as yoga or tai chi.
If you also want to keep your mind sharp as you grow older, then GET MOVING is the key. Regular exercise can lower the risk of memory and thinking problems by almost 50 percent. Physical exercise not only gives your heart, lungs, and muscles a workout but has a great impact on your brain. It’s recommended that you get a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise five days per week in order to experience all of the benefits exercise offers.
For more information, call 919-847-2393 or visit www.healthtrax.com.
Heather Lindgren, Head Trainer at Healthtrax ATC, LAT, CSCS