Being fit at any age for people is always a struggle but others seem to ease their way to a fitter body. As you grow old there are more problems for us to leap over in order to get fit.
Your bones tend to get weak, joints ache more and your metabolism has slowed down. It is time for you to change your lifestyle and the way you approach foods and activities.
Here are some tips to get you started on your fitness lifestyle:
Know Your Limits
This is perhaps the most essential senior fitness tip. Before you jump right into any exercise habits, you should change your eating habits and make changes in your overall life style, you should know what your limitations are.
If you do not know what these may be, you should consult a doctor first. If you have health risks these may limit your options for your exercise and your selections of food.
Consulting your doctor before working out is always a good choice. There is no set age or condition that says if/when you should consult a doctor before starting to workout.
However experts recommend you talk to your doctor before starting a workout routine
- If you are a heart patient.
- If you have lung, kidney or liver diseases.
- If you have diabetes, asthma or arthritis.
- If you have pain in your muscles or joints when walking or doing any sort of physical activity.
- If you have had a replacement surgery for any joints.
- If you feel dizzy at times.
- If you are on medications for any disease.
Furthermore, if you are just uncertain of your health condition, check up with your doctor. In addition, the American College of Sports Medicine also suggests you see or talk to your doctor if two or more of the following apply;
- If you are a male of over 45 years or a woman of over 55 years.
- If your family has a history of heart diseases.
- If you have high cholesterol or blood pressure problem.
- If you are a smoker or recently quit smoking.
- If you are overweight.
Take it Slow
Keep in mind it took you 40 plus years to get where you are today so do not anticipate to drop tons of weight and get fit immediately. If you have led an inactive life for several years, then it will take a bit of time to get used to being livelier.
Buy a pair of walking shoes and start taking slow speed walks as a start. Once you have been accustomed to your new shoes and believe that you are all set, step it up to a brisk walk. Be sure you are walking properly in order to decrease shin splints and joint pain.
Combine up your choices of exercise by coming up with something new and fun. One of the best senior fitness workouts is Water aerobics. You can also try something that you love like golfing, bowling or even gardening. If you do not have time for golf or bowling you can always try Nintendo Wii. You can play Wii golf on this video game.
Muscle Training for Seniors
Do not limit your activity to aerobic exercise; you can also add some strength training workout to your routine. This sort of exercise is not just for body builders. Enhancing your lean muscles not only makes you fit but has numerous health benefits as well.
Muscle building helps to decrease the bad cholesterol and increase the good. It not only strengthens the muscle but also improves your posture and strengthens your bones.
By including any or all of the above tips for seniors you are on your way to living a healthier and more active senior lifestyle.
