How Seniors Can Begin An Exercise Program

Physical activity is important - at every age. Beginning an exercise program is not difficult, but it does require some preparation and planning. Before you begin an exercise program, we need to cover a few things.
Growing older is not for wimps. The human body experiences dramatic changes as we advance in age above fifty years. It can seem almost like an appliance whose warranty has just expired. Everything that can go wrong seems to start going wrong. The idea is to slow the rate of these changes and enjoy the greatest quality of life you can for as long as you can.
You are not a stove or dryer, but your body is a machine. To keep your body running in the best possible shape for your whole life, you need to maintain it properly. When we were twenty, we could go without paying a lot of attention to the care of our body, but lack of exercise has a more profound effect on us when we reach fifty and beyond.
Do not worry though. The human body responds well to good food and lots of movement. You can feel invigorated even after you get older, but with more wisdom about how to keep your body running smoothly.
Let's learn about several things that must be done before beginning an exercise program, particularly if you have been sedentary for an extended time period.
1. Visit your doctor - This point can't be stressed enough. As we get older, our body composition changes. We are prone to different problems and conditions. Visit with your physician first to ensure that you are in the best health possible before starting an exercise routine. Your doctor will also be able to guide you with any special restrictions in diet and movement.
2. Understand your limitations - Nobody wants to admit that there are things they can't do but it will prevent you from getting injured. If you have joint pain, engage in exercises that will not put excessive stress on your joints.
3. Begin gradually, slow and steady wins the race. Slow and steady progress really does have the best benefits, the benefits of being fit for life. You are most likely to keep exercising when you ease into it and find the pace you are most comfortable with.
4. Investigate what activities you can do - If you have arthritis, signing up for a step aerobics class may not be the wisest thing. On the basis of your medical condition and any limitations you may have, decide upon an exercise regimen that will provide you with the benefits without causing you injury or distress.
5. Consider your nutrition - All the exercise in the world won't help you if you are still eating those hamburgers and chocolate shakes you enjoyed in your younger years. Learn how to adjust your eating habits to make every move and every meal count. Of course you need to eat properly and quickly lose weight if you need to in order to maximize your health prospects.
6. If you are overweight consider engaging in a weight loss program - Excess body weight is the cause of numerous, if not the majority of health problems you can encounter and being overweight will cause you to deteriorate at a much faster rate than you otherwise would

Now that we have discussed several things that you should do before you get started, we will dispel several myths about exercise in older adults. Remember, dieting and exercise will work to significantly slow that rate of physical decline that all of us experience as we age. It will also service to enhance your quality of life, so you can get greater enjoyment out of your "golden" years. As we discussed earlier, diet and exercise is most important for people over fifty years in age because the rate of change in your body is greatest in these years and your ability to slow these changes is greatest if you keep your body active during this period of your life.
If you are advancing in age, it's important for you to understand that those negative stories about starting an exercise program are not accurate.
Getting older does not mean that you have to be confined to a sedentary lifestyle? No one desires to be put out to pasture in their later years. Since you are not, getting older doesn't have to rob you of your independence or your carefree lifestyle.
Seniors can improve the quality of their lives with physical activity. Fitness is important to everyone regardless of age. You will be able to experience positive changes as you improve your physical condition.
The younger generation seems to be adopting a sedentary lifestyle now. They spend hours sitting in front of video games. As a positve role model, you can set an example to the younger generation, that your age doesn't need to hold you back.
To get you moving and motivated, we have to dispel myths about exercise and age.
1. "I am too old to start working out." This is not true. You are never too old to engage in some sort of physical activity to improve your health. To begin with, you may have some exercise restrictions, based on your current physical condition, but that should not deter you from proceding.
2. "Aerobic exercise is too demanding and I could break a hip." Most hip fractures are the result of falls not exercise. And, aerobics doesn't have to be a high impact, jumping-jack session. Light to moderate aerobic activity keeps your body moving and improves conditioning so you can handle a more intense session at some time in the future. By the way, aerobics are a great way to enjoy rapid weight loss and the benefits that accrue from losing weight.
3. "Exercise at my age will cause heart problems." Exercise can actually reduce your risk of heart disease, but it's definitely important to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Stick to your doctor's recommendations and you are more likely to succeed.
4. "I weigh too much." This is one of the best reasons to exercise. It is true that our metabolisms slow down as we age, but that can also be corrected with proper diet and strength training exercises. You can still lose weight and feel great. There are always exercises that you can if you're overweight until you feel comfortable doing more.
5. "I will get injured if I engage in weight training." Strength training is the best way to elevate your metabolism, and strenthen your bones to prevent fractures. You can start with dumbbells weighing as little as 2 pounds each and do simple exercises that will result in toned muscles and strengthened bones.
What have you heard about exercise? If any of the above quotes are applicable then you have fallen for the exercise myth. If you want to get active, go ahead. Get fit for life!



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