Exercise!

When we think exercise, we often think walking, running, or working out in the gym. There are 4 areas of fitness that we need to consider including in any exercise program.

Cardiovascular exercise is what builds our stamina. It lets us walk further and go all day when we’re out with our families or pursuing our hobbies. Suggestions for cardiovascular exercise:

• Walking distances on an indoor track, treadmill, or outside


• NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainer, great for those over 50


• Swimming laps, walking in the water and water aerobics


• Cardio class at a gym; dance, step, cross training, etc.

Strength training is usually thought to mean exercising with weights but there are more options than that:
- free weights, size of which will depend on your level of fitness and what you what to accomplish
- weight machines at gyms
- resistance bands and tubes, frequently seen in stores that sell exercise equipment
- your body weight as in yoga, Pilates, pushups
- swimming

Flexibility is needed to keep your muscles in good shape. If you do a lot of strength training or if you sit a lot at your job, you need to stretch your muscles regularly or they will become tight. Tight muscles can become painful or can lead to joint or muscle injuries, a bad back, or posture problems. Consider these options:
- take stretch breaks when working on the computer or at your desk
- stretch your hamstrings and shoulders while watching tv at home
- yoga class

Balance can begin to decline at age 40, but becomes a life threatening problem somewhere in our 70’s or at least by age 80 for many. With good balance, we not only prevent falls and injuries but we feel better and look longer. Things to think about:
- keeping muscles both strong and flexible is critical for good balance
- yoga combines balance, strengthening, and flexibility in 1 workout
- some gyms offer balance equipment such as foam, rocker boards, or indo boards
- spending a few minutes a few times a week challenging your balance at home
can be fun

Learn to have fun with exercise. Make it a social event. Include the family. Hit the mall, the beach, or your local park to get started in making exercise part of each day. And most especially, enjoy the results!