There are countless benefits to physical activity at any age, but staying active throughout your lifespan can have incredibly profound effects. The key is to find an activity that you enjoy and stick with it! Whether you’re a lifelong fitness enthusiast or just starting, staying fit is good to keep you motivated. If you’re not active, start by gradually adding more physical activity to your day.
So, How to Stay Physically Active?
Here are the main ways you can stay physically active:
1. Exercise
Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health, and it’s never too late to start. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, improve your mood and bone density, and increase your life expectancy. Exercise has improved mental health, quality of life, and even physical appearance as we age. Additionally, it can help protect against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis. In addition, exercise can also have positive effects on cognitive function and overall quality of life.
There are many different types of exercise, so finding one that you enjoy is key to sticking with it. Aerobic exercises, such as running, biking, or swimming, are great for overall health and fitness. In contrast, strength-training activities such as lifting weights or using resistance bands can help increase muscle mass and bone density. Balance exercises such as tai chi or yoga can improve balance and coordination. Whatever type of exercise you choose, start slowly and build up gradually over time to avoid injury. If you have any medical conditions or are not currently active, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. Read about mental and emotional illness!
2. Make time for physical activity every day
You don’t need to spend hours at the gym to get the benefits of exercise – even 30 minutes a day can make a big difference. Try to break up your physical activity into smaller chunks if that’s more manageable for you, and remember that any type of movement is better than none.
It’s essential to make time for physical activity, just like you would for any other important activity in your life. Schedule regular exercise times into your day, or break up your workouts throughout the day. You may also find it helpful to join a gym or exercise class or hire a personal trainer. Read three keys to good health!
3. Find an activity you enjoy
If you don’t like running, don’t run. If you don’t like going to the gym, try swimming or biking instead. There are plenty of activities that can help keep you active, so find one that you look forward to doing. Having someone to exercise with can make it more fun and help keep you accountable. You can support each other through good times and bad, and it can be a great way to socialize as well. Choose activities that you enjoy doing to be more likely to stick with them. This can include walking, hiking, and biking to swimming, dancing, and playing sports.
Conclusion
Physical activity is important for overall health, and it is crucial for seniors. Lifelong physical activity can help improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and improve overall mental health. Comment below to share your thoughts on the benefits of lifelong physical activity. Check our article about how to positively influence social health!
