1. It's Never too Late to Start
The longer you live, the more important it is to stay fit. It is likely you will live longer than your parents or grandparents, and if you want to be able to have an active life after 50, the key is to maintain an exercise routine. You don't want to be one of the 90% of older adults who don't get any meaningful exercise or the 50% who get none.
2. Good News for Those Who Exercise
The benefits of exercise for any age group are powerful and if you're over 50, some benefits specifically target problems older adults face. As you age, you lose some balance. Exercise will help you retain and build balance. You also improve memory and focus when you exercise. Delaying the onset of or supporting aching joints is a goal after 50; exercise will help keep your joints, ligaments and tendons flexible. Unfortunately, as you age you lose muscle mass and tend to gain weight; exercise can help you add muscle mass and burn more calories so that extra pounds don't build up on the gut or thighs.
3. Do Your Homework for Health
If you're over 50 and haven't exercised in a while, visit the doctor for a thorough checkup before you begin a program. You need to know if your heart, bones and joints are healthy. For those who are already exercising, notice symptoms, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, pain or tightness in the chest, jaw or arms, dizziness, extreme perspiration, nausea or long periods of fatigue after you exercise. These symptoms may signal serious health issues, and you need to see your doctor as soon as possible.
4. Exercises Choices are Fun
Just because you're 50, don't relegate yourself to water aerobics or the golf course. Explore all the fun and interesting options available today through DVDs, in gyms and at health clubs. Zoomba, kick boxing, hiking groups and dance are just a few options that make exercising a blast, not a bore.
5. Include the Basics
Unless you have specific health issue that prevents a certain type of exercise, programs for adults over 50 should include strength and balance, core strengthening, cardiovascular and flexibility regimens. Perform strength exercises with free weights, machines or bands. Core strength is a new concept and refers to building flexibility and strong muscles in the trunk area. You can strengthen core muscles with floor or ball exercises. Flexibility exercises, from simple stretches to routines like Pilates, prevent injuries and usually feel good. Cardiovascular exercise is the key if you want to strengthen your heart, increase lung capacity and endurance and burn fat. Running, walking, swimming or using exercise equipment, such as treadmills, are all great ways to get the benefits of aerobic exercise.
