Exercising

As we age, we all know that regular exercise is a must if we want to stay healthy and flexible to say nothing of reducing arthritic pain, depression and anxiety. While some boomers feel they should be doing more to keep their body in shape, it’s not always easy to choose the right type of exercise when facing the reality that things like long-distance running must be left to the younger crowd.

           Personally, I don’t see the necessity of joining a gym. People often think that the expensive membership fee will be an incentive to go regularly, but that’s rarely the case as health club owners can attest. I also don’t see the need to buy expensive equipment like a treadmill which often ends up being a play field for spiders. It is so much simpler to walk outside. Granted, the weather can be nasty at times, but that’s why we have large malls where you can walk freely and securely as you window shop.   According to AARP, overweight people who walk 30 minutes a day, five times a week, reduce their risk of diabetes by nearly 60 percent.

A stationary bike, which is a good choice to reduce stress on joints, can be used indoors year round as you watch your favorite TV program or as you listen to your favorite music. Personally, I prefer to bike outside from May to the end of October. I find it’s a wonderful way to breathe fresh air while enhancing cardiovascular fitness. If you decide to get a bike, be sure to try it out and have it adjusted to your body shape and size.

A lot of boomers look to the pool for their exercises. Water workouts are offered in most communities where a trainer guides participants in specific exercises. It improves muscular strength and increases flexibility to say nothing of the cardiac benefits. The water provides resistance and you can exercise your entire body in less time.

Repeating the same exercise routine every day though won’t ensure you stay fit. A complete program includes flexibility, balance and strength training. The latter is obtained with lifting weights and you don’t even have to buy weights because you can use household things like filled bottles. Doing yoga is good balance training. The idea is to mix it all up in order to get maximum value for your efforts.