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As you get older, you tend
to slow down the pace of your entire life,
including how much exercise you get. But
considering all the health risks that are
a natural part of ageing,
it may be more important than ever to increase
the level of physical activity in your daily
life as you get older. You don’t have
to pull weights at the gym or run a marathon.
Simplicity is the key to exercising in old
age.
Walking
Walking is the simplest
and most effective form of exercise. All
you need is a comfortable pair of shoes,
and the will to take that first step. Initially,
aim for a 15 to 20 minute brisk walk. As
your stamina increases, you could lengthen
the period and pace of your walks. Always
warm up and cool down with simple stretches.
To prevent dehydration, drink water before
and after your walks. If you don’t
like the idea of scheduled exercise, try
incorporating walking into other areas of
your life - walk to the store instead of
taking the car, or use the stairs instead
of the elevator.
Gardening
Gardening is a perfect hobby that combines
fun with exercise. The digging, cutting,
planting and watering stimulates most of
the muscles and gives you an all-round medium-impact
workout. It also increases strength and
endurance, and is a proven stress-reliever.
Swimming
As your body is supported
by water, swimming is perfect for preventing
pain in the joints, especially for those
suffering from arthritis
or osteoporosis.
Yoga
Yoga
is a low-impact form of exercise that eases
joint pain, tones your muscles, improves
blood flow, and helps you relax. Though
there are plenty of resources for learning
yoga on your own, it is recommended that
you start under the guidance of a qualified
yoga teacher.
Remember; always consult
your doctor before starting any exercise
program. If you experience pain, dizziness,
breathlessness, or blurred vision, stop
immediately and consult your doctor. Once
you find a fitness program that suits you,
try sticking to it as much as possible to
gain maximum benefit.
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