Whenever you are addressing your fitness, think about the big THREE:
- Strength
- Cardio
- Flexibility
Each area needs an equal amount of attention, and if you spend all your time doing just one or two, you won’t find the balance you need for optimum health.
Why?
Strength: We need to get stronger, not weaker as we get older. Weight-bearing exercises will keep you bones as well as your muscles strong. The harder you work them, the more they’ll work to support you and what you are expecting of them. Weight-bearing exercise means that in some way your muscles are having to bear some kind of weight – this could be pushing, pulling, and lifting. You can do weight-bearing exercises in a gym on machines and with free weights, in an aerobics class, on a pilates reformer, or at home. Exercises like holding plank pose, or doing a few push-ups all count as weight-bearing exercises.
Cardio: Training your heart to pump blood efficiently throughout your body is vital as you get older. I keep it really simple: I know that I am “training” my heart when I my heart rate rises (I like to use a monitor), and/or when I break out in a sweat. I aim for three 30 minute cardio sessions a week.
Flexibility: Without flexible muscles, you are at way greater risk of injury. A few yoga stretches everyday are doable for everyone. You can follow a DVD, a book, a You Tube video or go to class. Either way – no excuses.
But please make sure you check with your health practitioner before embarking in a vigorous or new exercise program. If you are not used to working out, get the A-okay from your doc before you proceed because you need to make sure that your heart, and blood work is in good working order before taking your fitness to the next level.
