- March 28, 2024
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Q: I’m 76 years old, I watch what I eat and am not overweight. Is there really a reason for me to exercise, especially at my age? –Louis G.
A: Sounds like you’re on the right track to living a healthy life, Louis! Although watching what you eat has a significant impact on your weight and your health, it is not the only factor to consider when looking at overall health. Living a sedentary lifestyle with little to no exercise can be detrimental in numerous ways including: increased risk of heart disease, lack of energy, and also an increase in stress. In order to reduce the risks of developing any of these conditions I would recommend exercising at least 30 to 60 minutes every day. But before you begin any exercise routine always make sure to check with your physician first.
Cardiovascular disease can affect you even if you're a healthy eater due to lack of cardiorespiratory fitness. It may sound weird, but our heart is one of our most important components of our body and also a muscular organ so it needs to be exercised like the rest of the body. There are multiple ways to achieve this and all you need to do is increase your heart rate! Activities like jogging, walking, or lifting weights will all help increase your heart rate and give your heart the workout it needs.
Have you felt less motivated or energetic as you have been in the past? This could be caused by a lack of exercise. Researchers at the University of Georgia conducted a study and discovered people who led sedentary lifestyles felt an increase in energy and substantial decrease in fatigue by partaking in low-impact exercises on a daily basis. A great byproduct of exercising besides boosting energy levels and lowering the risk of heart disease is the release of endorphins into our body. Endorphins are a naturally occurring chemical in your body that interact with your receptors inside your brain to decrease the feeling of pain. Ever heard the term "runner's high?” Runner's high comes from the release of endorphins to our brains! Pretty cool, huh?
There are myriad other ways that exercise also benefits you and your body. If you'd like to hear more benefits of exercise or are unsure where to begin, or what exercises may be right for you, come to Anytime Fitness, Winter Park! Throughout November stop by and receive a free Get Started fitness plan, fully customized to suit your goals and fitness level, created by one of our knowledgeable personal trainers.
Eric Ludwig is a personal trainer candidate with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. His focus of study is on several demographics and lifestyles including mature adults, sports specific training and general weight loss and strength training. He can be reached at 321-972-5833 for personal training. Have a health and fitness question? Email me at [email protected] and get a free personal training session.