George Elliot said; “It’s never too late to become what you might have been.”
Well here’s something interesting for you to grab hold of………exercise training programs and weight lifting were previously believed to only benefit younger people, as the prevailing sentiment was that baby boomers were incapable of increasing muscle mass or strength very easily (they don’t know us very well do they?).
Now find out how recent studies at Harvard and numerous other Universities have proven that myth to be totally wrong.
It has been found that exercise for all people, especially those who are over the age of 50, is decidedly healthy and in some cases can even be totally life changing.
There are changes that occur to our bodies as we age, such as a slowing metabolism, narrowing arteries, a propensity to hold more fat in our bodies, thinner bones and loss of muscle tone.
Now it has been proven that a program of steady exercise can and will halt all of these conditions, and even reverse them in many instances. If the exercises are age applicable and completed under the supervision of a personal trainer, an appropriate routine can be set up for any age group.
The American College Of Sports Medicine makes a suggestion of 15 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercises for a few days each week.
One objective is to raise the heart rate from 60 to 90% of the safe maximum levels.
That equates to 220 beats per minute, minus your present age.
Just look at all these Benefits of Exercise
This type of fitness training can consist of jumping jacks with a brisk walk for 30 minutes, or three 10 minute walks per day. Swimming, a dance workout, or gentle jogging is also a great way to start out. These exercises will stimulate muscle tone and keep the arteries and the heart in good shape.
Strength building exercises help keep the muscles toned and strong, and help the joints and bones retain their strength. Better and stronger joints and bones help to enhance balance and deter falling in older people……a very common problem.
Stretching exercises can also play a big part in keeping the muscles flexible and improve lubrication of the joints. This will help in the range of movement, and again will help your balance. Our body will last longer and continue to function much better if we use it, so give it moderate exercise on a regular basis, no matter what your age.
Exercise also helps to fight osteoporosis (very important for women especially) and will help to minimize its overall effect on the bones, once your fitness program begins.
Psychologically your outlook on life also improves in a positive way with regular moderate exercise.
There is a very positive feeling that occurs throughout our system when exercising, and it stays with you for hours after you have done a good workout.
You will also find that exercise provides you with greatly increased endurance and stamina and this has nothing to do with age……..all people who engage in some form of regular exercise are happier and feel better than those who do nothing.
So, if anyone ever says to you that you should not be involved with all of that exercising, going to the gym, walking or jogging like you do, just compare their energy and outlook on life to yours, and make a mental note to see where they are physically and mentally in a years’ time. It will really surprise you.
It is one thing for someone to tell you what you ought to be doing, and it is another for them to actually do something about it.
Being proactive and proud about the condition and look of your own body is a very positive thing to do regardless of how old you may be.
Is there something that’s stopping you? Then let me know – I can help.
Otherwise, get out there NOW and discover the new you!
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