THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE UNDRERTAKING SENIOR EXERCISES

By: tarzan84 tarzan84

EXCUSES ARE USELESS WHEN IT COMES TO SENIOR EXERCISES

WHY DO SENIORS AVOID EXERCISE?

As we age, we convince ourselves that "exercise" is not something we can do. We may not believe that we have time to fit senior fitness into our schedule or we may think that exercise becomes unnecessary or dangerous as we get older. For whatever reason, we put off senior exercising until we feel the effects of aging, when we either wake up and begin a senior fitness program or further curtail our activities to accommodate our reduced physical capabilities. The
following universal myths that surround exercise have prevented many seniors from maintaining a healthy lifestyle but exist only in the mind of the individual.

Myth: MY BODY HURTS TOO MUCH TO UNDERTAKE SENIOR EXERCISES.

It is likely that the majority of your body's aches and pains are due to the fact that you haven't been exercising. As we age, our joints and muscles stiffen. The only way to prevent this is to keep them moving. Although we are likely to lose some of the range of motion and endurance that we had in our youth, there is no reason to accept a life of physical discomfort due to
inactivity. Science has managed to eradicate many of the diseases that once resulted in reduced life spans for millions of people throughout the world. Now that we are living longer and have more opportunities than ever before, it makes sense to make sure that our bodies are prepared for the challenge. Keep moving and you will find that your aches and pains are far fewer and less debilitating.

Myth: EXERCISE IS FOR THE YOUNG. I'D FEEL SILLY EXERCISING.

Remember, nobody is expecting you to run out and join a trendy workout facility unless you want to. But there are thousands of low-impact options for senior fitness. Many community centers and gyms have realized that the needs of the senior demographic is worth catering to and have developed programs especially for senior fitness. Some of your friends and neighbors are probably already participating in group activities such as walking, water aerobics, and other
group activities that will satisfy your desire for fitness in an environment filled with others your own age and physical fitness level.

Myth: I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START.

The fact that you are reading this means that you want to start. There are many guides that will teach you how to introduce senior exercise into your lifestyle and how to keep it as a lifelong part of your fitness goals.

Myth: I FEEL TIRED WHEN I EXERCISE.

It's normal to feel a bit tired when you first begin any new senior fitness program especially if you've been sedentary for a long time. Assuming that you are experiencing normal fatigue and muscle soreness, this will soon pass. If, however, you feel excessively tired or are in a great deal of pain, call your doctor or health care provider immediately. There are always risks associated
with any senior exercise program and these risks increase as we age. But, scientific research indicates that the long-term benefits of exercise far outweigh the temporary risks.