Myth -- only the young should exercise and as one ages muscle mass and strength cannot be increased anymore. This has been negated by various studies in Harvard and other places. It is plain myth and has no scientific basis.
In fact, exercise is now a recommended activity for those who are above the age of 50. For instance, as one ages, metabolism tends to become much slower, which in turn increases the amount of fat that gets accumulated in the body. This reduces the flow of blood and increases blood pressure. In addition, one's bones become less dense and more porous, which are characteristic of the condition called osteoporosis. The muscle firmness deteriorates as skin loses its tone.
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.
One goal among others is to raise the heart rate to 60-90% of the safe maximum (220 beats per minute, minus your present age). A good cardiovascular workout - a 30-minute brisk walk or three 10-minute walks per day, mild jumping jacks, gentle jogging in place, swimming, a dance routine or any other method - helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy.
Exercises for strength building ensures toned muscles and helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are some 300,000 reported hospital admissions for broken hips per year. And most of these are because of senior people falling. Balance exercises can help in the maintenance of leg muscles. The incidence of falling can be greatly minimized if people have strong leg muscles.
Gentle static and dynamic stretching exercises help keep muscles flexible and joints lubricated. That helps out with balance, but it also maximizes range of movement. That means better coordination and less pain during both exercise and everyday activities.
Exercises that develop endurance keep both the lungs and the heart healthy. The joints are able to move to the full range of movements that they can, and the muscles are kept firm and toned. The increased metabolism that is encouraged by exercise can stimulate the release of hormones. This can improve the performance of the body, and can even lengthen the amount of time that these organs are able to perform in top shape.
A lot of illnesses are preventable with the proper exercise and activities. Osteoporosis and its debilitating effects can be minimized. The physically active are less likely to develop non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Even a lot of heart ailments can be put off with mild and regular activity.
There is ample evidence that moderate, regular exercise helps the psychology as well. It can decrease the severity of depression and heighten mood. The social aspects can help with the isolation that older people sometimes feel, especially as friends and loved ones are no longer part of their lives.
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 have a medical condition, be sure to discuss your plans with a physician and sports expert to develop an exercise routine appropriate to you. - 15683
In fact, exercise is now a recommended activity for those who are above the age of 50. For instance, as one ages, metabolism tends to become much slower, which in turn increases the amount of fat that gets accumulated in the body. This reduces the flow of blood and increases blood pressure. In addition, one's bones become less dense and more porous, which are characteristic of the condition called osteoporosis. The muscle firmness deteriorates as skin loses its tone.
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.
One goal among others is to raise the heart rate to 60-90% of the safe maximum (220 beats per minute, minus your present age). A good cardiovascular workout - a 30-minute brisk walk or three 10-minute walks per day, mild jumping jacks, gentle jogging in place, swimming, a dance routine or any other method - helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy.
Exercises for strength building ensures toned muscles and helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are some 300,000 reported hospital admissions for broken hips per year. And most of these are because of senior people falling. Balance exercises can help in the maintenance of leg muscles. The incidence of falling can be greatly minimized if people have strong leg muscles.
Gentle static and dynamic stretching exercises help keep muscles flexible and joints lubricated. That helps out with balance, but it also maximizes range of movement. That means better coordination and less pain during both exercise and everyday activities.
Exercises that develop endurance keep both the lungs and the heart healthy. The joints are able to move to the full range of movements that they can, and the muscles are kept firm and toned. The increased metabolism that is encouraged by exercise can stimulate the release of hormones. This can improve the performance of the body, and can even lengthen the amount of time that these organs are able to perform in top shape.
A lot of illnesses are preventable with the proper exercise and activities. Osteoporosis and its debilitating effects can be minimized. The physically active are less likely to develop non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Even a lot of heart ailments can be put off with mild and regular activity.
There is ample evidence that moderate, regular exercise helps the psychology as well. It can decrease the severity of depression and heighten mood. The social aspects can help with the isolation that older people sometimes feel, especially as friends and loved ones are no longer part of their lives.
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 have a medical condition, be sure to discuss your plans with a physician and sports expert to develop an exercise routine appropriate to you. - 15683
About the Author:
I used to be very unfit. Luckily, I discovered the benefits of exercise early. Since then, I have been on a special fitness regimen which has helped me tremendously. You can learn more about it at http://www.homefitnessinsider.com.
