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It’s Never Too Late To Exercise!
By Angela Steward, Fitness Motivator
The Truth Contributor
We’re all going to age. That’s a given! As we get older
health issues arise, normally made worse by being
overweight. Quite often by the time we reach our 50’s and
60’s, our kids are grown and we have a little extra time to
refocus on our own health. The problem is…how?? How do you
jump into exercise, especially if you’ve been out of shape
for a long time? You may worry that it’s just too late!
Fear can often keep you from starting!! But studies show
that starting a fitness routine later in life, even after
70, can improve your cardiovascular health, brain function
and overall quality of life!!
Ask yourself: what are some of my favorite activities?? What
did I love to do when I was young?? Am I afraid to start
exercising or am I afraid of what others may say or think??
Am I too old to exercise??
I started exercising at age 50. I remember asking myself….
why did I wait so long? I weighed 240 pounds, I was 50 and
I was disappointed in how unimportant my health had become.
I was very much involved in the successes and happiness of
others. My health was not a priority. I’m sure I am not the
only woman who has felt or feels this way. |
Angela R. Steward
Owner & Head Instructor of
FABULOUSLY FIT G.E.M.
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So, how do you start??
First, how much activity can your body handle? Older adults
come in all shapes and sizes. Some are in better shape than
others.
As a fitness professional, the worst thing a person can tell
me is…I want to come to your gym, but, I need to get in
shape before taking your classes. To me, that is very much
like saying before I take a bath I need to take a shower.
Everyone who begins to exercise later in life will start
off at a lower level than those who have been exercising for
many years. You have to give your body time to adjust to
exercise. I compare it to bike riding, most of us learned
to ride our bikes by using training wheels. Once you’ve
gained confidence, the training wheels are removed. It’s the
same with exercise, it takes your body time to adapt. So,
don’t overdo it!! While you may be excited to begin any
fitness program, take it easy. Pushing yourself too hard
can lead to injury.
What are your fitness – and life – goals?? Make sure your
goals are reasonable. Perhaps your goals are to keep up
with the grandkids, or to be able to dance with your spouse
or friends. I know when I began to exercise, my goal was to
improve my quality of life, to be able to walk up and down
stairs, and walk long distances without losing my breath. I
would suggest you start with whatever it is you like to do
such as dancing, bike riding, or walking and increase the
frequency of that activity. By doing something you enjoy,
you’ll more than likely stick with it because you look
forward to it.
Are you social?? I try to encourage working out with others
if possible. When you get to meet other people working
towards the same goals, you hold each other accountable.
Being around people with healthy habits tends to rub off and
social support has healthy benefits. Whether you join a
tennis club or a fitness gym, committing to a group activity
is a great way to ensure you keep up the habit.
Lastly, how much time are you willing to spend?? Setting
aside a regular time to exercise (consistency) is more
important than the length of the session. If you start off
exercising for 15 minutes daily, chances are 15 minutes will
increase to 30 or more minutes, especially if you’re doing
something that you enjoy!! Just remember, a little exercise
is always better than none at all.
It’s never too late to start a fitness routine – and love
it! You’re older, so what!! We’re all going to age!!
Exercise - When you feel good, you look good!! So, don’t
let others tell you what you can and cannot do, if you re
breathing and you can move, then you can and should
exercise!! It’s the fountain of youth!! We all should take
a sip!!!
Yours In Fitness!!
Angela R. Steward
Owner & Head Instructor of
FABULOUSLY FIT G.E.M.
5425 Southwyck Blvd.
Toledo, Ohio 43614
Email:
FabFitu@yahoo.com
Phone: 419-699-9399
Classes: Mon 9a & 6p, Tues 6p, Wed 6p, Thurs 6p, 7p & Sat 9a |
