Exercise, the Key to Healthy Aging
As we grow older, we often find ourselves making excuses as to why we do not exercise. We tell ourselves that exercise is boring, we are in too much pain, we fear we may injure ourselves or that we are too old to start. Often these are messages bear little value and hold us back to a healthier, and more fulfilling independent life.
If your goal is to remain as independent as possible as you age, an active lifestyle is more important than ever. Exercise can manage symptoms of pain, maintain independence and boost energy. It is not only good for the body but also good our mind and soul. Exercise can improve your overall sense of well-being, improve your mood and manage pain.
Exercise like walking, swimming, yoga, and group exercise with others can be fun. It does not have to mean a trip to the gym or doing strenuous exercise. Simply, exercise means putting more movement in your day, whether you are housebound or able to attend group activities.
Benefits of Keeping Active
As we age, our metabolism slows down, often adding additional unwanted pounds. By exercising we are able to build muscles that burn more calories, sleep better and improve overall health. Exercise reduces chronic condition symptoms, by improving heart health, blood pressure, digestive function and bone density. It improves balance, coordination and reduces the risk for falls.
For those that have never exercised or realize that starting a daily exercise program will be of benefit, the first question may be, “Where do I start”? It is always a good idea to see your health care provider before starting any exercise program. Start slow and commit yourself to a certain amount of time each day. Set short term goals, whether it be to sleep better, or increase energy levels. Listen to your body, and be realistic in your expectations at the start. It is better to do something everyday, rather than over exerting yourself one day and, as a result, are unable to exercise for two days after that. Soon the short term goals will assist in achieving the larger goals that may be main reason for exercising.
Even the frail adult that is chair bound may have the ability to participate in exercise by using free weights such as dumbbells, resistant bands or by participating in chair yoga.
Some of the types of exercises that are beneficial to us as we age are: walking, fitness classes, gentle water aerobics, yoga and a simple bouncing a ball between friends. General fitness classes are available through the local community centre and most retirement communities, including Harbour Hill hold daily activities, to keep the residents moving and therefore more independent.
To assist in enjoying activities as you exercise one can: listen to music, window shop, take pictures, chat with friends, or enjoy a pet. Each activity can be done while walking at a pace suited for you.
If you are one that dreads exercise, get active with a friend, stay committed and you will find that you will feel better and have a different outlook and find that with time will actually enjoy the exercise. Regular exercise builds strength and stamina, prevents loss of bone mass and improves balance, reducing risks of falls. Get support of others and exercise safely.Try a yoga class by calling Harbour Hill today and see how a group activity can benefit you. Visit, Live it, Love itExercise, the Key to Healthy Aging
As we grow older, we often find ourselves making excuses as to why we do not exercise. We tell ourselves that exercise is boring, we are in too much pain, we fear we may injure ourselves or that we are too old to start. Often these are messages bear little value and hold us back to a healthier, and more fulfilling independent life.
If your goal is to remain as independent as possible as you age, an active lifestyle is more important than ever. Exercise can manage symptoms of pain, maintain independence and boost energy. It is not only good for the body but also good our mind and soul. Exercise can improve your overall sense of well-being, improve your mood and manage pain.
Exercise like walking, swimming, yoga, and group exercise with others can be fun. It does not have to mean a trip to the gym or doing strenuous exercise. Simply, exercise means putting more movement in your day, whether you are housebound or able to attend group activities.
Benefits of Keeping Active
As we age, our metabolism slows down, often adding additional unwanted pounds. By exercising we are able to build muscles that burn more calories, sleep better and improve overall health. Exercise reduces chronic condition symptoms, by improving heart health, blood pressure, digestive function and bone density. It improves balance, coordination and reduces the risk for falls.
For those that have never exercised or realize that starting a daily exercise program will be of benefit, the first question may be, “Where do I start”? It is always a good idea to see your health care provider before starting any exercise program. Start slow and commit yourself to a certain amount of time each day. Set short term goals, whether it be to sleep better, or increase energy levels. Listen to your body, and be realistic in your expectations at the start. It is better to do something everyday, rather than over exerting yourself one day and, as a result, are unable to exercise for two days after that. Soon the short term goals will assist in achieving the larger goals that may be main reason for exercising.
Even the frail adult that is chair bound may have the ability to participate in exercise by using free weights such as dumbbells, resistant bands or by participating in chair yoga.
Some of the types of exercises that are beneficial to us as we age are: walking, fitness classes, gentle water aerobics, yoga and a simple bouncing a ball between friends. General fitness classes are available through the local community centre and most retirement communities, including Harbour Hill hold daily activities, to keep the residents moving and therefore more independent.
To assist in enjoying activities as you exercise one can: listen to music, window shop, take pictures, chat with friends, or enjoy a pet. Each activity can be done while walking at a pace suited for you.
If you are one that dreads exercise, get active with a friend, stay committed and you will find that you will feel better and have a different outlook and find that with time will actually enjoy the exercise. Regular exercise builds strength and stamina, prevents loss of bone mass and improves balance, reducing risks of falls. Get support of others and exercise safely.Try a yoga class by calling Harbour Hill today and see how a group activity can benefit you. Visit, Live it, Love it 519 440-0110
