Fitness At Any Age
I’ve exercised all of my life, but I haven’t always been physically fit. In my late 30’s I was out of shape. I didn’t do much aerobic exercise, and it showed. After hiking short distances, I was winded and exhausted.
It wasn’t until my mid-40s that I really got serious about exercise, and it was for two reasons. First, I found losing weight was not as easy as it was in my 30s. In fact, it was darn near impossible without exercise.
Second, I was losing muscle tone and didn’t like what I saw. Since I’ve always been an avid bicycle rider, I started riding more. At the same time, I began a weightlifting routine. A couple of years later, I added an aerobics kickboxing class and yoga. In the last three years, I’ve started lap swimming in the summer, mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Now, at 55 I’m probably in the best shape I’ve ever been.
Some might say this is a bit much at my age. I disagree. I believe anyone can improve their level of fitness at any age. And the great thing about exercising is the more I do, the more I want to do. It just takes the desire and motivation. And it’s important to find that motivation and get fit.
According to Dr. Michelle May, author of Eat What You Love and Love What You Eat, most age-related slowing of metabolism is due to lack of physical activity and loss of muscle tissue. What that tells me is, I need to get moving!
Weightlifting
Weightlifting is very important. First and foremost, bone health. Numerous studies have shown lifting weight increases bone density. Not convinced, consider this.
Lifting weights burns more fat and calories and makes clothes fit better. Still not convinced? Check out this link and get lifting—12 Reasons You Should Lift Weights.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is also important because it strengthens the heart and lungs. It can also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and improve immune function. Still don’t like the idea of getting sweaty, consider this—aerobic exercise helps shed pounds, tones muscles, improves posture and sleep. Need more reasons to get moving? Check out 10 Reason To Get Physical.
Dr. May had this Mindful Moment, that I have found to be true in my life, “Make time for your health and well-being. If you are too busy for exercise, you are too busy.”
I say there’s no time like the present to get started, and if the Klutzy Athlete can do it, anyone can.
What’s keeping you from getting fit? How can I help?