Remember when Olivia Newton John donned a leotard and legwarmers to help us get physical? Or when Jane Fonda’s Original Workout Video had us doing leg lifts in the lounge room?
As we get older, getting physical becomes even more important. Just ask Jane Fonda who is still doing magnificent leg lifts today to keep her mind and body healthy and in great shape.
Whether you’re shaking it up at aerobics, making a splash in the pool or stretching it out at yoga class, constant and regular physical activity has more benefits than just keeping your weight in check and your figure looking good!
Regular exercise can also help improve health and in some cases add to longevity. The physical and mental benefits for associated with exercise are endless at any age, but they increase in importance as we age. Just consider:
Heart Health
Increasing your heart rate daily (even just slightly) is enough to keep your heart happy and healthy. Doing something physical, moving your body is always a better option than not moving.
Better Mental Health
Any type of physical exercise encourages the body to release endorphins, otherwise known as the “feel good” hormones. Endorphins make us feel happier and help us to manage stress levels. When our stress levels are under control, we not only feel happier, but we can also sleep better, and we function better throughout the day.
Make New Friends
As we get older, many of us find our social group gradually diminishes along with the opportunities to meet new people. Exercise or any physical activity is a great way to interact with your current friends and meet new ones. Consider joining the local bowls club or the local walking group – and if there isn’t one where you live why not start one?
So, how often should you get your feet moving? The CDC recommends that adults over the age of 65 aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day, 5 days per week. In addition, they suggest two moderate weight training sessions.
The type of physical activity you can do to benefit your overall health and wellbeing will vary depending on your age, exercise history and physique. Also consider your current physical health and any existing health issues you have that may require you to moderate your physical movement routine.
And remember, always talk to your personal health care practitioner before you begin any new exercise program.
Now, you have no excuse not to lace up your trainers (or pull out the old legwarmers!). If the only thing stopping you is motivation or feeling tired, then it’s simply a case of mind over body!
Get yourself in the mood for a morning workout by starting your day with a cup of herbal tea (try something with green tea or ginseng) for a natural energy boost. Enjoy a light breakfast of yoghurt and fruit or a banana for a fast carbohydrate boost.
If you can’t manage the whole 30 minutes in one session, split your 30-minute aerobic session up in to 2 x 15-minute sessions or even 3 x 10 minutes sessions a day. Adapt and find a routine that works for you.
When you’ve finished your exercise give your body a chance to recover and drink lots of water throughout the day.
Now what are you waiting for? Go and find one of your VHS tapes and see how good your leg lift technique is!
How often do you move throughout the day? Do you have a movement routine or do you simply go for a walk? What works for you?
