Staying active is important at any age. Even if you have never been active before, you can still benefit from exercising on a regular basis. In fact, you can add years to your life if you start exercising. There are many things that you will need to do in order to stay safe while you are working out and get the most out of it.
Start Slow
You may be eager to get started with your exercise program. However, if you do not gradually ease into it, then you put yourself at risk for getting injured. If you have been sedentary for a while, then your body needs time to adjust to the activity. It is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before you start exercising. Not only can your physician ensure that you are healthy enough to work out, but they can also give you tips.
Exercise Every Day
In order to reap the benefits of exercising, you will have to do it consistently. That is why you should try to exercise for 30 minutes every day. Thirty minutes of daily exercise can lower your blood pressure, boost your mood, and help you sleep better. Walking, water aerobics and cycling are some of the activities that are ideal for seniors.
Do Balance Exercises
Your chance of suffering a fall increases as you get older. Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates can reduce your chance of falling as they teach a focus on stance and balance. Tai Chi specifically focuses on slower and more controlled movements which help to clear the mind and strengthen the body. Additionally, including balance exercises in your exercise regimen can help you to be more steady on your feet and less afraid of falling.
Stretch Before and After Working Out
You should start and end your workout with stretching. This will decrease your chances of suffering an injury. Stretching before a workout helps prepare your muscles for the workout. If you stretch after a workout, then you can reduce muscle pain. Additionally, roller massagers and other massage tools can be useful for relieving muscles after a workout to reduce pain and soreness.
Listen to Your Body
It is normal to experience slight pain and discomfort when you start an exercise program. However, if you experience severe pain, then you will need to stop. You should also avoid jerking and bouncing movements. Only you know your body, and if you know you can’t or shouldn’t do a specific type of exercise movement, don’t. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments in the regimen to better suit you. It doesn’t matter how well anyone else might be doing, you just need to focus on yourself and your own improvement.
Exercising can help protect your health as you get older. To get the most out of your routine, you will need to start off slow and exercise every day. For more information on exercise or simply getting more engaged in life, check out our other articles.
