Most people aged 50 or over will view modern health clubs with fear and trepidation. A lot of people in this age bracket feel like they shouldn’t be there or don’t have a clue how to use the equipment. Some other people who are over 50 years old may decide that they can no longer be bothered with trying to stay physically fit.
Whatever your reasons are for not exercising you really should reconsider. Exercise is beneficial for people whether they are 20, 40, 60 or 80 years old. If you don’t want to attend a gym that’s fine because there are many other options available to you. Yoga, books, magazines and exercise videos are all great alternatives as are the many types of fitness and workout programs available.
If you don’t exercise regularly then choosing the right routine is a tough task. For example, if you are overweight or out of shape, running or cycling may not be the best way to begin. Instead, a seated exercise, low impact cardiovascular exercise or a beginners exercise video will be best.
Before you begin to formulate your new exercise routine, you should make sure you follow the advice given below.
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Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Make sure they help you set up a program which you will be able to keep up with.
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It may be a good idea to start slowly and take adequate rest on the days you do not exercise.
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If you experience pain slow down. If you still experience pain after slowing down then stop exercising. Pain is often a sign that you are over exerting yourself or doing too much, too fast.
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Consume plenty of water and fluids. This has the dual function of helping your body flush out toxins and rehydrating your body.
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Eating healthily and reducing your calorie intake will improve the results you get from your exercise. Plus, this is a great lifestyle change to introduce.
If you change your routine on a monthly basis this will challenge you and help your body improve physically. Once you can complete an exercise routine easily it’s time to step it up to the next level. For example, maybe go from standing aerobics to step aerobics or even using the treadmill or start running outdoors.
Although, you should be looking to improve the intensity of your exercise routine at regular intervals you also need to be kind to yourself. If you are finding one particular exercise difficult or you are taking longer than you thought you would to improve don’t worry. You will get there. Instead of focussing on these little setbacks look at the progress you have made already.