At Longevity Nexum Kinesiology in Barrie, our goal is to improve health and fitness, leading to longer, happier lives.
Exercising is an important part of staying independent as we age. It helps preserve strength, balance, and flexibility, all of which are essential for daily activities and mobility. Studies have shown that there are multiple ways to incorporate physical activity into our lives, regardless of age or current level of fitness.
Regular physical activity not only helps you maintain a healthy weight but also strengthens the body, improves balance, and increases flexibility. Regular exercise can also help reduce the risk of developing certain chronic illnesses, like heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Additionally, it can help with stress management and improving mood.
Some of the best exercises for elderly people are low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling. Resistance training with weights can also be beneficial for building muscle strength and improving balance. Yoga and tai chi are excellent for improving flexibility and balance, and can also help with stress relief and relaxation.
It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. Talk to a kinesiologist before starting any exercise program. They can help develop a program that’s tailored to your needs, physical abilities, and goals.
Exercising is an important part of staying independent as we age. Incorporating physical activities into your life can help you maintain strength, balance, and flexibility. Start with low-impact exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. Consult a doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise program to ensure it’s tailored to your needs. With regular exercise, you can lead a healthier and more independent life.
Here are some tips to get yourself started in a regular exercise routine to improve your long term independence:
Set a Goal
The first step to creating an effective exercise plan is to set a realistic and achievable goal. Ask yourself, “What do I want to accomplish with my plan?” Whether it’s improving your balance or being able to complete a 5K race, setting a goal is the foundation of your fitness plan.
For example, check out our blog on setting a goal of running your first 5km “Couch to 5km”
Talk to a Kinesiologist
Before starting an exercise plan, it’s important to speak with a kinesiologist, who specializes in the field of improving health outcomes through exercise. Simply bring your goals to them and they will be able to set out a plan for how to achieve them.
Create a Schedule
Once you have your goal and have spoken with your doctor, it’s time to create a schedule. It’s important to be consistent and stick to a schedule, so make sure to carve out time in your day for physical activity.
Choose the Right Exercises
When it comes to exercise, there are many options to choose from. The best exercises for you depend on your goals and your current level of fitness. Low-impact exercises, like swimming, walking, and yoga, are generally easier on the body and great for beginners.
Mix It Up
In addition to low-impact activities, try to incorporate different types of exercises into your routine. This can help prevent boredom and ensure you’re getting a full-body workout. Cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises should all be part of your plan.
Monitor Your Progress
By tracking your progress, you can see if you’re getting closer to your goals and make necessary adjustments. Many fitness tracking apps make it easy to record and view your progress. Our favourite is “strava”
Exercising regularly is essential to staying independent and healthy. With a goal, a schedule, and the right exercises, you can create an effective exercise plan that can help you maintain your independence for the long run.
When you do get stuck into your routine, check back in to our blog “How to know if your exercise routine is working“
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