Hey fellow seniors, are you feeling sluggish? Are you tired of your muscles and joints aching for no apparent reason?
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If so, perhaps it’s time to turn up the activity meter on your life. This may sound counter intuitive, but science has shown that if you keep active you will likely stay active. Even Newton’s First Law of Motion applies to us as well. A body in motion tends to stay in motion; whereas a body at rest tends to stay at rest.
Don’t be that body at rest. It will literally lead you to an early demise.
Rather, be that body in motion. But before you click away from this article hear me out. I’m not advocating a strict regimen of exercise that leaves you swimming in a pool of your own sweat. That stuff is for young people that want to impress each other. Instead, I’m talking about a form of exercise that you can enjoy and give you the health benefits that will keep you fit and spry enough to continue pursuing those activities you always have.
Do something you enjoy
Make an effort to participate in some form of exercise every day. Staying motivated is 90 percent of the battle when it comes to regular exercise, so find something you enjoy doing. Better yet, to prevent your exercise routine from becoming - well - routine, incorporate a variety of fitness activities that you like. Not only will you keep motivated but you will find that you are recruiting a wider variety of muscles. This will not only increase your strength and endurance but also contribute to greater balance and flexibility.
There are an almost endless number of activities that are fitness related. They can be as simple as walking around the block or gardening. Other activities include swimming, yoga, biking, dancing, stretching, weight lifting, golf, tennis, and many, many more. Don’t rule out joining an athletic club. Gyms are increasing their efforts at catering to the senior market. They are offering more classes geared towards seniors and even have trainers specifically certified to work with older individuals.
If you are not inclined to attend a gym but would still like to participate in an exercise program you can find a wide assortment of sites on the internet. Many of these sites offer free routines you can do in the privacy of your home. Some even have online communities you can join where members help each other stay motivated. You can even use the internet to purchase any extra gear or equipment you may need.
The benefits
By regular participation in a fitness activity you can measurably improve your quality of life. Within a relatively short period of time you will start to see results. But the long term benefits of exercising are worth the effort. Below are just a few of the physical and mental benefits of exercise:
- Maintain strength and fitness levels
- Improving balance and flexibility
- Increase in feelings of well-being and reduced feelings of depression
- Improving or maintaining cognitive abilities
- Preventing or managing diseases ranging from diabetes to heart disease
If you are tired of feeling worn out and listless perhaps the best thing you can do is get active. Don’t try to do too much at once, however. Start slow and increase your exertion over time. Also, consult with your physician if you have any concerns.
