Elderly Workout

Your life may have been sedentary so far but it is never too late to get started. Being active is the key to good health. Fitness is necessary for everyone and seniors too need to have an energetic life. Before you get actively involved in any fitness program the first and foremost thing is to check with your doctor. In case you suffer from heart problems, or feel chest pain when you are active or at any other time, or you regularly lose your balance, or if you have difficulties with your bones and joints that might get worse with increased activity and if you take prescription drugs for serious health issues. Once you get the okay from your doctor, you're ready to start building your active lifestyle.

The best way to begin creating an active lifestyle is with a fitness plan. There are four main areas of fitness that seniors should focus upon. First, set your sights on endurance. These are activities that can strengthen your heart rate and breathing over a long period of time. Activities like walking, biking, running, stair climbing, hiking, team sports, and swimming belong to this category. You should try to do in thirty minutes of endurance exercises each day.
The next important area of fitness you should concentrate on is strength. Strength building activities help build muscle, reinforce joints, and add to bone density over a period of time. Activities like working with a weight machine, enrolling in a martial arts class, or rowing will help to build strength. Include three to five days of strength training in your schedule.
Another important aspect of fitness that you should also include is flexibility. These consist of activities, like daily stretching exercises, yoga and various forms of dancing. Make sure to include at least ten minutes of stretching into your routine every day.
The final area of focus is balance. Balance exercises can keep you from debilitating falls. Balance workouts can include Tai Chi and general posture exercises.

It is not always easy to stay motivated with your fitness program. There are a number of things that could make you want to quit. If the monotonous activities bore you, you are will probably stop doing them. That is why it is essential to choose activities that you like.
Another reason behind people leaving their fitness plan is a lack of time. You have to make your workout a priority and allot time for it. You should also vary your fitness routine. Doing the same activity over and over again can get incredibly boring. But a mixed bag of activities like walking two days a week and going to the gym three days a week, might keep you interested. Challenging yourself can also infuse life into your fitness routine.
Plan a long term goal and then try to reach it. Choosing someone to workout with may also help you stick with it. If you don't have a neighbor you would enjoy exercising with, try joining a local health club or mall walkers group. Chances are that you might find someone to talk with and exercise with. Finally, be sure to reward yourself often. Think about what you would look forward to, then build in special rewards day if you've met your fitness goals for the month.

Active lifestyle is not limited to exercise only. You have to incorporate some changes in your lifestyle to make it active. For example a vacation that involves whitewater rafting instead of sitting by the pool and eating junk food or spending few nights dancing instead of watching T.V. would automatically make your life more active. Nutrition is the other key to good health. Keep a food diary of what you eat in all your meals. This way you will know whether you re eating healthy or not.