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Exercise and Aging - Page 2

© Robert M. Oliva

Aerobic exercise is also important. This could be as simple as walking. Keeping the cardio-vascular system in good condition helps us maintain our overall health. Walking for thirty mintues, three times a week can be very helpful. If this is too strenuous, try shorter distances at first. Walking every day is a goal you may want to consider. Pick an interesting path to walk or have a few different routes to take. Keep yourself from getting bored. You can even consider joining a walking club or getting some friends together. It will really pay off both in fitness and weight lose.

Jogging is another aerobic activity many indulge in. But be careful. Jogging is very strenuous on the knees and ankles. When we age, we need to seriously consider the amount of impact an exercise activity has on our joints and organs. Although a great aerobic exercise, jogging is high impact and tends to lead to injuries.

Stretching is a key part of any exercise and fitness plan. You may want to consider yoga. Yoga gently stretches the entire body. The ligaments are strengthened, the joints become more flexible, and the mind is relaxed. Remember how you could bend over and touch your toes thirty years ago? Well, you can probably do it again with a few months of yoga. In a few short weeks you will notice a significant difference in your posture, muscle tone, joint flexibility and mental alertness. Keep in mind that although yoga is not considered strenuous it is very powerful. Two to three times a week is sufficient for good results. Eventually, you could do some everyday. Tai Chi, Chi Qong and other Asian practices are also good for overall conditioning, stretching and total relaxation.

There are many activities you can perform for fitness. There's tennis, bike riding, hiking, even bowling has been found to contribute to fitness levels. Pick the activities you like so you can stick with them. But be sure to include all three forms of exercise in your fitness plan: resistance training, aerobic exercise and stretching. In this way, you will keep your skeletal muscles strong, your joints flexible and your entire cardiovascular system efficient and robust. If you are consistent with your exercise, Sarcopenia will be stopped in its tracks.

Exercising with a group can be fun. If you are so inclined, join a health club or find an adult ed class in your community center, school or church. The time spent will be well worth it.

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