Written By Alan Good
Okay, you’re aging. Time is ticking and since middle age your body has been changing—not for the better. You’ve gained some fat and lost muscle mass. You can’t run up those stairs like you used to.
Before I begin, I am neither a doctor nor a trainer but have done some form of exercise most of my life. I am 71 years old.
There is a saying in weightlifting, “You don’t stop lifting when you get old, you get old when you stop lifting”. You can apply that to anything in life, however we’re talking about slowing down Father Time.
Researchers assure us that the more we do to stay active as we age, the lower the chances are for heart attacks and strokes. Exercise promotes flexibility improves endurance, strength, and balance.
A recent study suggests that certain exercises slow cell decline. Regular exercise also helps your lungs, muscles, and your entire circulatory system. Benefits of exercising include lower blood pressure, better bone and joint health, and less chance of things like colon cancer and diabetes.
Exercise prevents falls and helps you stave off mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It can also help you stay on task and be better able to move from one to-do item to the next. Healthy body, healthy mind.
You don’t have to lift big weights at the gym or go for a 10-mile run. Do things that you enjoy and that will keep you at it. You could work in the yard, walk with friends, or take a bike ride.
But check with your doctor before starting, especially if you’ve been inactive or have health problems. If you’re just starting out begin slowly, drink plenty of water, listen to your body, and warm up before any activity. The aim for most is 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week. Mowing the lawn or a heavy cleaning session counts, too.
It’s never too late to reap the benefits of activity. No matter how old you are, how inactive, or how out of shape you have been, moving can provide a healthier lifestyle. More importantly, your core is key. Desiring to improve your life is vital. No man can stop the clock, but every man can slow its tick.
Next time, we’ll look at weights compared to exercise bands.
