Exercising for Health and Fitness
If you have decided to start exercising, then congratulations on taking this big step towards becoming healthy! Exercising is one of the essential ways we can achieve optimum health. It lowers our risk for chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, and it can also help improve our brain function and boost our mood. Regular exercise can also alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.
Exercising for health and fitness can quite often appear daunting, as there are so many different types of workouts, machines, gyms, etc. Seniors especially worry their current physical limitations may make them unfit for certain exercises.
It’s time to put many of the concerns aside as anyone can become fit at any age.Here are some tips and different exercises to get you started on your fitness journey.
Before Exercising
For those who are new to exercising, it is recommended to get a clearance from your doctor first. If you have lived a sedentary existence until now it is essential to not overdo things in the beginning. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your current fitness level and any health problems you need to address. People with pre-existing health conditions are also advised to see their doctor and obtain clearance before exercising.
Different Types of Exercises
Doctors recommend that an exercise session should always start with a series of light stretching as a warm-up for a few minutes. Once your muscles are warmed up, you can now begin your workout.
There are three types of exercises that help you achieve overall physical wellness. There is no need to do these exercises all at once, but doing them all regularly can help you achieve more balanced fitness.
Cardiovascular Exercises
These are exercises that increase your heart rate, such as walking, running, dancing, cycling, or moves like skipping and jumping.
Strength Conditioning
These are moves that target specific muscle groups, like the upper or lower body. Weights and resistance bands are used to build strength and tone the muscle. Begin by doing various moves such as squats and lunges using only your body weight before moving on to using weights.
Flexibility Training
You can end your cardio and strength workouts with slow and static stretching for about 10 seconds per stretch. Or you can do a stretching session on its own.
For those who are new to exercising, working out with a trainer in the gym is highly recommended. A trainer can guide you in doing the different moves that are appropriate to your fitness level. Your trainer will teach you the proper position and placement of your body as you go through the different exercises.
If the gym is not your thing, you can join a yoga or pilates class. Both disciplinesare great for building strength and flexibility, too, and a certified instructor will be able to guide you as you go through the workout.
Doing sports that you enjoy is also good exercise. Whether it is running, swimming, or playing tennis, sports can increase your stamina and build your strength, as well.
Dancing is another amazing exercise that does not only increase your heart rate, itis also a great confidence booster, and to mention, fun! You can try joining a Zumba class or do ballroom dancing. The instructors are also well-equipped in guiding students from all fitness levels.
Working out at home is another option. The Internet is full of various resources and materials to help you exercise. You can also download a fitness app on your phone to guide you in every move. Exercising in front of a mirror will help ensure that your posture is correct.
The most difficult part of exercising is actually starting to exercise. Exercising regularly can help you form the habit. When exercising, you must listen to your body and know when to stop or lessen the intensity. Never rush yourself in achieving your goals and give yourself enough time to reach them.
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to enjoy working out. There is no sense in working out if you see it as a form of punishment. Find ways to make it fun for you, and before you know it, you will be reaping the benefits of a healthy and fit body.
