Staying Fit

Lack of exercise can be detrimental to one’s health and staying active is easier than most people think. Going on walks daily is beneficial. Any type of physical activity can be helpful. “Physical activity can help you control your weight and reduces your chance of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes,” (Mayo Clinic, 2016).

            It is better to start being active when one is younger. Regular exercise can slow down the aging process and give many benefits to the body (Gaz, 2016). Strength training and high intensity training can help maintain muscle mass, prevent cardiovascular decline and improve balance (Gaz, 2016). It is better to do these types of training when one is younger as these can be difficult to accomplish. If one starts younger, than it will be easier for them to keep exercising as they get older. One does not have to keep the same intensity throughout life. The body goes through stages and ages on its own and that is something we cannot control. Lowering the intensity as one ages is smart, as it still helps one’s health.

            For younger adults who want to aim for a high intensity workouts, they are easy to find on the internet. Some endurance training includes running and cycling for 30 minutes to an hour each day. It is important to also have some strength training in one’s routine, because as we age we lose muscle mass. One way to prevent that, or slow down the rate, is to start lifting weights (Gaz, 2016). Do multiple reps for each movement and try to increase the weight each week.

            Here is a video demonstrating some weight lifting movements for beginners. 

Just because one gets old, does not mean they are unable to stay active. If one can walk around, such as walking around the block each day or walking through the yard, it is a great way to stay active. If one is not able to walk that great anymore, there are still many exercises he or she can participate in. Here is a video showing some of the many exercises the elderly can do just by sitting on a chair.

As a reminder, one does not have to do high intensity workout to achieve benefits. Just taking the stairs, cleaning the house, gardening and walking the dog are great way to stay active and achieve the health benefits. If one was to do high intensity workouts, they would see results much faster, but sometimes that is not always an option.