It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Studies continue to support that exercise at any age provides a multitude of benefits, beyond weight control.
Benefits Include:
- Preventing Osteoporosis
- Relieving Stress
- Promoting Heart Health
- Improving Cognitive Memory
- Improving Metabolism
- Lowering Blood Pressure
- Reducing Bad Cholesterol
According to a report from the Mayo Clinic, “Even moderate physical activity, such as walking or raking leaves, can help prevent or delay age-associated conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.”
As a general rule, people of all ages should engage in a combination of cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and flexibility exercises to maintain overall fitness.
An aerobic routine along with strength training and stretching has been proven to replace lost muscle. At age 40 and beyond, you may need to modify your exercise intensity and routine. Low-impact workouts generally are recommended for those 40 and above to allow them to burn a high number of calories while having a lower risk of injury. Most importantly for this age group, the focus should be on physical activity as opposed to dieting.
A good fitness routine means the ability to get on with life without being exhausted by normal daily activities.
It’s important to listen to your body and avoid doing too much too soon.
This article was also published in the printed version of the Volume 2 Jan 2016 Newsletter (PDF).
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