Senior Fitness: The Value of Exercise

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Exercise to Stay Young at Heart

I'm looking forward to retirement. After years of working, I will have the time to pursue my hobbies, and fill my time with things I want to do, rather than the things I have to do. I know my body will eventually wear out, but the affects of aging can be delayed. Regular exercise can prevent or delay heart trouble and diabetes. It can reduce the risk of stroke, arthritis pain, anxiety, even depression. By staying fit, I can retain my independence and live my life the way I want to.

My favorite form of exercise is a brisk walk. I try to walk every evening. I get the exercise I need and it clears my mind making it easier to sleep through the night. I wake up fresh and ready for the new day.

Find a fitness program that works for you and stick with it.

Four Types of Exercise 

There are four types of exercise and your fitness routine should include some of each.

Endurance: Walking and swimming are two excellent endurance activities. They build your "staying power." They improve your circulation and give your heart a good workout.

Strengthening Exercises: As we grow older, we lose muscle mass. Strengthening exercises can reduce or eliminate that problem.

Stretching Exercises: Stretching exercises keep the body flexible and limber. It eases stiffness making it easier to go about our daily routine.

Balance Exercises: We can lose our sense of balance surprisingly fast. Balance exercises can reduce that which reduces the chances of slipping and falling.

Include all four in your fitness routine.

Lose the Fat 

Sixty percent of all Americans are overweight or obese. While never good, it is an added problem for seniors. The more excess weight we carry around, the harder it is to get around. It's easier to sit in front of the TV than get OFF OUR DUFFS and do something. The less exercise we get, the more weight we gain. The cycle continues until we are truly a COUCH POTATO.

I want to enjoy my retirement and all the days God gives me. Eating healthy is a part of that. It's not always easy. It's easier to grab a bag of chips and a soda than to prepare a proper meal.

Self disciple carried you through years of work. Let it carry you through retirement. Watch what you eat and exercise. There may not be a fountain of youth but there's no reason to give up your "youth" before you have to.

Omron HBF - 400 Body Fat Monitor 

Omron HBF-400 Body Fat Monitor and Scale

Amazon Price: $42.49 (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now

Fitness is not just monitoring our weight, but our body fat percentage and body mass index as well. The Omron HBF - 400 Fat Loss Monitor can be used to monitor all three. By programming in your height, age, and sex, and the Omron HBF - 400 will give you the information you need to keep on track and reach your fitness goals.

Eating Healthy 

Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating

Amazon Price: $11.51 (as of 12/21/2009) Buy Now

365 Days of Healthy Eating from the American Dietetic Association

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/21/2009) Buy Now

Change Your Food Change Your Life

Amazon Price: $22.95 (as of 12/21/2009) Buy Now

The Ultimate Healthy Eating Cookbook

Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009) Buy Now

Healthy Eating for Life for Women

Amazon Price: $14.49 (as of 12/21/2009) Buy Now

Walking 

I'll be the first to admit I don't exercise as much as I should, but I try to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. Some days I top that number before leaving school, but when I don't I go for an evening stroll. I listen to the rustle of the leaves and hear an occasional chirp of a bird settling down for the night.

It's peaceful.

Walking helps me wind down so I can get a good night's sleep.

During the summer and school is out, I switch schedules. South Carolina's summers are incredibly hot so I walk early in the morning, almost before the sun has risen. It's nice to see my pedometer click over 8,000 before I've had my first cup of coffee.

Whatever you do or however you do it, add a little exercise to your daily routine. You'll be happier and healthier for it.

The Omron HJ-112 Pocket Pedometer 

Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer

Amazon Price: $21.97 (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now

The Omron HJ-112 Pocket Pedometer is an inexpensive, but high-tech pedometer. It can be carried in your pocket, purse or clipped to your belt. It accurately measures your steps and your time. From that you can get an accurate reading on your aerobic workout. It can measure your calorie consumption during your workout and tell you how far you've traveled.

I like the instant feedback the Omron HJ-112 Pocket Pedometer provides. It helps me stay focused on the ultimate goal, a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Exercise Your Mind: Read 

Enjoy the Golden Years 

Do you follow a fitness routine? 

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About the Author 

Lensmaster ElizabethJeanAllen has been a member since March 16 2008, has rated 4,016 lenses, favorited 445, and has created 200 lenses from scratch. Lizzy Jean donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "2009 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments". See all my lenses

Healthy Heart Walking Tape 

The Healthy Heart Walking Tape: Walking Workouts For A Lifetime Of Fitness

Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now

More Information 

For more informtion of health and fitness, click on the links below.

President's Counsel on Fitness and Sports
Medline Plus; Exercise for Seniors
Senior Wellness Center

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by ElizabethJeanAllen

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