Keeping Active, No Matter Your Age

Time and energy are huge issues with fitness as we age; and it often becomes difficult to balance career and family. Later on, as we may acquire more time, we find we have less energy. Still, it's essential to make time for physical activity. Regular exercise can help control your weight, reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and some cancers. It will strengthen your bones and muscles and improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls. As an older adult, you will also increase your chances of living longer.

Be sure to always warm-up before a workout and stretch afterward to reduce the risk of injury. Start slowly and layer your exercise clothing so you can take some off as you get hot. Try our Sport-Tek 5-in-1 Performance Straight Leg Warm-Up Pants and jackets for men and women. Adding stretching to your workouts will also help to counter the tightening of the body that comes with age. To stay healthy, adults should try to be active daily and should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. Older adults at risk of falls, should do exercises to improve balance and coordination on at least two days a week.

What counts as moderate-intensity aerobic activity for most people?

·         Walking fast

·         Water aerobics

·         Riding a bike

·         Pushing a lawn mower

·         Doubles tennis

What counts as muscle-strengthening activity?

·         Lifting weights

·         Working with resistance bands

·         Sit-ups

·         Push-ups

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Whether you're 45 or 70, it's never too late to start (or restart) an exercise program.