Health and fitness trainers
who work with young and middle aged adults are all about the “quick fix.” Everyone is in a big hurry. Young people flock to weight loss programs
and fat burning workouts that suggest that they will look like body builders in
a few weeks. Although people know
better, they still fall for these quick fix programs and ultimately fail.
Personal fitness takes a
different track when you reach 50, 60 and beyond. Fitness becomes more important than ever when
you get used to the idea that it is a health issue and not just a just a matter
of slack size.
You are now old enough to
realize that changing your lifestyle is a little more comprehensive than just
counting calories (although that certainly helps). By the time you reach 50 you start to realize
that you need to make some real changes, changes that will affect the rest of your
life. Do you remember how old you were
when you realized that you and you alone were responsible for your own health
and well being? If that realization
hasn’t dawned on you yet you had better sit up and take notice. It isn’t easy.
The older you get the more time you have to spend on maintenance but the
rewards are immeasurable. If you are
already paying attention to your health you are to be congratulated.
It is very possible that you
spend the majority of your waking hours sitting or engaged in pursuits that
involve minimal movement. Increasing
physical activity reaches beyond cosmetic fixes to include issues like
longevity, flexibility, function and independent living, bone strength, restful
sleep, weight control and well being.
Pretty important stuff wouldn’t you say?
Physical activity is the most important things
that you can do for your health and well-being.
Fitting into the dress you wore at your wedding isn’t a good enough
reason to start a new diet. The focus now is on making changes that will
influence how well you are going to manage for the rest of your life. You may still look and feel good enough that
the seriousness of neglecting your health hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but it
won’t be long.
You are never too old to be
active. People in their 90s can increase
their strength and cardio-pulmonary status so that they can take care of
themselves. There is no magic potion to
retard aging, but a healthy lifestyle can add years to your life. Start today. It is time to take a good look
at the advantage of physical activity. See your doctor, join a group, set some
goals, and consider revisiting a sport that you loved when you were
younger. Whether you join a yoga class
or take up kayaking is up to you but get moving.
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