The Importance Of Staying Fit After 50
Posted September 5, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Fitness and athleticism are often attributed to youth. Likewise for good health. But it’s important to know that fitness can be attained at any age, and it’s never too late to start an exercise regime.
Whether you’re a long-time gym member or new to the fitness circuit, there are plenty of reasons why staying fit into your senior years is a good idea.
We are told regularly that exercise is beneficial for weight control, energy levels and self esteem. But it’s less well known that being active can help deter the onset of arthritis and other illnesses ordinarily attributed to old age.
Rather than being harmful to brittle bones, exercise strengthens muscles and actually helps to protect bones, meaning it can be beneficial to those with osteoporosis, too.
It’s really important to maintain an adequate level of physical activity to help you feel nimble, energetic, and young.
Recommended levels of activity are as follows:
- 20-60 minutes of aerobic activity 3-5 days a week
- weight training for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times a week
- stretching exercises 2-3 times a week
Most gyms will offer a complimentary training session when you join to get you started. You can also pay personal trainers to ensure that you’re doing all the exercises correctly.
“85, 90 per cent of people who come to the gym, they really think they know a lot about what they’re doing but they could be doing things that are injurious to them and they don’t even realize,” said Lee Boyce, a personal trainer at Extreme Fitness.
It’s also a good idea to ask a doctor about starting an exercise program, especially if you have special considerations like medications, conditions, or if it’s been awhile since you worked out.
For more information about getting fit in your senior years, click here.
Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
