Working out should be a lifelong habit, but as you grow older, you need to tailor your exercise program to accommodate how your body changes as you age. In this article, Daniel Calugar discusses getting older and the things to consider when attempting a new workout routine.
As much as you hate to admit it, as you age, your body cannot deliver the same performance it did in your prime. To be clear, we are talking about potential performance, not realized performance. If, for example, you didn't take up running until you were in your forties, and you worked hard to develop that skill then, you were likely a better runner at age 45 than you were at age 21. But, you had the potential for being an even better runner at 21 if you had developed the skill at that age.
You have undoubtedly heard more times than you can count the warning that you should check with your doctor before engaging in a new exercise program. The older you get, the more important that advice is. So, be warned, again, that you should check with your doctor before beginning any new activity that may require heightened levels of exertion. The primary reason for this warning is that each person is different. Only someone with a keen understanding of physiology and your health history can give you the correct advice. Say, for example, that you want to start working toward a goal of running your first marathon. That's an admirable intention, and some people can do this at just about any age. There are many marathon runners well into their seventies. But, if you are overweight, or have a history of heart disease, or have a propensity toward joint damage, your doctor will likely recommend against that particular goal.
If your doctor warns against running, ask about one of these activities instead;
1. Walking
2. Swimming
3. Dancing
4. Biking
5. Hiking
6. Weight lifting
7. Calisthenics
8. Yoga
9. Tai Chi
10. Stretching
2. Swimming
3. Dancing
4. Biking
5. Hiking
6. Weight lifting
7. Calisthenics
8. Yoga
9. Tai Chi
10. Stretching
Everyone will benefit from working out, and there is a workout for everyone - you just need to be smart and informed about choosing the right workout for you.
Aging may make you more susceptible to health risks, such as:
1. Heart attack
2. Brittle and broken bones
3. Weak and failing joints
4. Blood clots
1. Heart attack
2. Brittle and broken bones
3. Weak and failing joints
4. Blood clots
The right workout can help reduce the risk that you will suffer from these conditions.
The benefits of exercise are innumerable, and they include-:
1. Reach your ideal weight
2. Higher levels of energy
3. Increased strength
4. Better mobility
5. Relief from arthritis pain
6. Lower chance of future injury
1. Reach your ideal weight
2. Higher levels of energy
3. Increased strength
4. Better mobility
5. Relief from arthritis pain
6. Lower chance of future injury
If you have always been active and love working out, don't let the natural aging process stop you. Adapt. Change your routine to eliminate activities that can cause injury and replace them with alternatives that keep you fit and sharp but out of the hospital. If you are only now gaining interest in working out, do it, but do it well-advised.
About Daniel Calugar
Dan Calugar is a versatile and experienced investor with a background in computer science, business, and law. He developed a passion for investing while working as a pension lawyer and leveraged his technical capabilities to write computer programs that helped him identify more profitable investment strategies. When Dan is not working, he enjoys spending time working out and being with friends and family. As a pilot with over 2000 hours of single-pilot experience flying business jets, he enjoys flying volunteer flights for Angel Flight.
Dan Calugar is a versatile and experienced investor with a background in computer science, business, and law. He developed a passion for investing while working as a pension lawyer and leveraged his technical capabilities to write computer programs that helped him identify more profitable investment strategies. When Dan is not working, he enjoys spending time working out and being with friends and family. As a pilot with over 2000 hours of single-pilot experience flying business jets, he enjoys flying volunteer flights for Angel Flight.