36 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • JULY 2021
LIVE+WELL
EXERCISE APPROACHES GOLDEN GYM GOALS
Exercise is a vital component of a healthy
lifestyle. By making exercise part of their
day-to-day routines, people of all ages,
including men and women older than 65,
can greatly improve their overall health.
The American Academy of Family Physicians
notes that seniors should aspire
to be as active as possible. Exercise is a
great way to incorporate physical activity
into your daily routine and has been
linked to reduced risk for diseases such as
heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Though adults with chronic illnesses may
be hesitant to exercise, the AAFP notes
that it’s possible for men and women who
have been diagnosed with such conditions
to exercise safely. In fact, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention notes
that regular physical activity is one of the
most important things seniors can do
for their health, one that can potentially
prevent many health problems associated
with aging.
FREQUENCY OF EXERCISE
Seniors, particularly those who have
not exercised much in the past, may not
know how much exercise they need to
reap the full rewards of physical activity.
Though it’s best to discuss exercise
with a physician prior to beginning a
new regimen, various public health
agencies advise seniors to get at least
2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise
each week. Brisk walking is one example
of moderate aerobic exercise. Seniors
who want to sweat a little more when
exercising can replace moderate aerobic
exercise with 1 hour and 15 minutes of
vigorous exercise, such as jogging, each
week.
IS STRENGTH TRAINING
SAFE FOR SENIORS?
The CDC advises seniors to incorporate
muscle-strengthening activities
into their weekly fitness routines twice
per week. Lifting waits, working with
resistance bands, heavy gardening,
and even some forms of yoga qualify
as muscle-strengthening activities.
Exercises that use your body weight for
resistance, such as sit-ups and push-ups,
also can help build strength. Always
speak with a physician before beginning
a muscle-strengthening exercise
regimen and, if possible, work with a
personal trainer, especially if you’re a
novice.
WHEN TO STOP A
WORKOUT
It’s imperative that seniors recognize
when to stop working out. Exercising
more than is recommended by your
doctor can increase the risk of illness
or injury. In addition, stop exercising if
any of the following symptoms appear:
dizziness or shortness of breath, chest
pain or pressure, swollen joints, nausea,
tightness in muscles or joints, pain anywhere
in the body, throbbing or burning
sensations.
Exercise can help seniors stay healthy
and feel more energetic throughout the
day. Before beginning a new regimen,
seniors should discuss physical activity
with their physicians.
-Metro Creative Connection
Physical activity is one of the most important things seniors can do for
theirhealth.
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