Friday, February 13, 2009

Get Your Fitness Facts Right

By Kat Wendersen

Many years ago, most people believed that exercise was primarily an activity that only young people engaged in. Thanks to research from Harvard and other reputable institutions, these beliefs have long been debunked.

With aging comes slowing metabolism, accumulation of fat, clogged arteries, hypertension, thinning bones, sagging muscles and skin, and a lot of other conditions. Exercise can slow down the onset of these conditions. So who said that those beyond 50 should not exercise anymore? In fact, exercise can slow down or even reverse these unwanted conditions.

Regular and age-appropriate exercise can help aging people retard the onset of various age-related ailments. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, aerobic or oxygen enhancing exercise done 15-60 minutes a few days a week is a great boost to one's health.

The safe maximum heart rate is 220 beats minus your present age. When you are working out, you should target an increase of between 60% and 90% of this safe maximum. What cardiovascular exercises can you do? Brisk walking for 30 minutes or three 10-minute walks per day, mild jumping jacks, gentle jogging in place, swimming, dancing are some of these exercises. These exercises ensure a healthy heart and blood vessels.

Other exercises that strengthen the muscles act to keep it toned while keeping weight down and blood sugar at appropriate levels. Exercises that develop balance can help strengthen the muscles found in the legs, which can better support the body and reduce the likelihood of falling. This is good, especially since a good majority of broken hips among the elderly is a result from the elderly falling.

Most elderly people complain of aching joints and limited range of movements. This can be prevented by stretching exercises. These exercises keep muscles pliant and joints lubricated. Doing these simple exercises will greatly aid in the onset of joint-related illnesses and will assist them in their mobility and the performance of their daily activities.

Endurance exercises help keep the heart and lungs healthy as well as keeping muscles toned, joints moving freely and other body systems functioning well. A slightly higher metabolic rate stimulates a variety of organs to produce needed biochemicals. The human body functions better, longer when it is subject to mild activity than when sedentary for long periods.

In the end, exercise can even delay the commencement of osteoporosis. In fact, it is not likely for diabetes mellitus, a form of diabetes that is not dependent on insulin, to hit those who regularly work out. There are also heart diseases that are averted by those who exercise even moderately even when they older.

There is proof that exercise can also improve a person's psychological well-being, with the severity of depression reduced and the mood alleviated. Exercise can also be a means for which older individuals can participate in group activities and meet other people.

Before beginning any sort of exercise regimen, older people should seek the advice of both their doctors and a trained exercise trainer. This can ensure that they are going about exercising the right way.

If you suffer from any particular medical conditions, talk to your doctor to ensure that you engage in an exercise routine that is right for you. - 16887

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