Fitness and Exercises for the Aging and Elderly
Studies recently done at Harvard have revealed that contrary to popular beliefs, even older individuals are able to increase both their muscle mass as well as their strength. It is no longer believed that exercising to tone and shape your body is only for the younger individuals. Exercising is beneficial to individuals of all ages.
Exercising has proven to increase the health of an individual, and the same holds true for the age group reaching 50 and over. As we all are fully aware of the changes that can take place within our bodies as we reach middle age, such as a decrease in our metabolism as our fat begins to find a new home around our midsection and thighs. By exercising on a regular basis we can minimize the effects of the fat relocating to unappreciated areas. Other unhealthy issues that can arise as we age if we are not exercising is the clogging of the arteries which can lead to elevated blood pressure. It is also very common as we age to have issues with our bones as well as watching our muscles lose their firmness as they slowly become flabby and unattractive.
All of these wonderful side effects of aging can be turned around and minimized as long as we re doing regular exercising that is not hazardous to our health. Be sure to consult your medical professional before you begin any diet and or exercise program. For the most part if you get the “go ahead” from your medical professional you can do a minimum of 15 minutes of cardiovascular exercises a few times a week and drastically increase your health. Be sure not to over do your exercising. In the beginning keep your exercising to a minimum and slowly increase your routine to a more vigorous one to better suit your needs.
You can easily increase your heart rate by 60-90% by simply taking an invigorating walk around the block or even your local mall. If you can do this for half an hour a day or even two fifteen minute walks a day you will be increasing your blood flow as well as maintaining proper health of your blood vessels. Other exercises you could do that can give you the same effect is jogging in place, dancing, jumping jacks and even swimming a few laps in the swimming pool.
Exercises designed to increase your strength are very effective in helping to maintain a tone body as well as controlling your blood sugar levels and assisting in keeping your appropriate weight. To increase the look and firmness of your legs you should try some balancing exercises. This will also help you with strengthen your joints and help you gain a little more support in your joints. This can actually decrease your chances of having a fall.
Also, adding in some stretching exercises can keep your flexibility levels up, and this can actually cause a lubrication to form around your joints. By having better lubrication around your joints you can increase your range of motion as well. In a nut shell you will be less likely to be in pain during everyday activities and exercising.
Another beneficial exercise that you might want to consider adding into your weekly routine is endurance exercises. These exercises can increase your body’s system functions and maintain proper health of your lungs and heart. Not to mention the better looking muscles that are toned up and the joints that are lubricated to a healthy level. You can also increase your metabolism which in turn creates much needed biochemical’s within the body.
Evidence supports theories of regular exercise can actually minimize cases of depression in many individuals. The evidence seems to prove that with moderate regular exercise regimens you can minimize the feeling of isolation that many older individuals have reported feeling. As you can see there are several different reasons to begin an exercise routine, regardless of your age or gender.
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