Food for Thought for Women Over Fifty ~

Dec 2
08:51

2008

Patricia Pearson

Patricia Pearson

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Movement is a very important part in one's life. Here is an article regarding aerobic exercise, muscle strength conditioning and stretching. Women go through many bodily changes in aging ~ keep movement in your daily routine.

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 If your one out of how many women over fifty that have not exercised regularly,Food for Thought for Women Over Fifty ~ Articles let me begin by saying, it's not too late.  It's never too late to start exercising or anything else you so want/desire to do.  If your inspired with the idea of doing something good for your body, then go for it girl!  You can do it.  Anything is possible!  And if your one of those women who exercised regularly before hitting fifty, you've got an advantage ~ a head start; keep up the good work!

Did you know that for women over fifty, a regular physical activity may assist to tame some of those symptoms of menopause ~ hot flashes, anxiety, depression, joint pain and sleep problems?  Exercising also can reduce heart disease risk, osteoporosis and diabetes risks.  It will assist to control weight and it can even melt away belly fat.  The type of foods will also contribute to our energy and health.  During the first few minutes of exercising, did you know that your muscles will burn energy in the bloodstream and glycogen stored in the muscles?  As you continue to exercise on a regular basis your body will begin to access fat stores for energy.

There is no one pill we can take or a bottle of substance that we can drink that is called exercise. It does take some effort to get the body moving in a direction of change. It will be well worth the time and energy. Did you know that many difficulties of aging are linked to an inactive lifestyle? Chronological age may be 55 but your biological age can be 35 ~ if you follow a consistent exercise program.

Find a reason or several to be active.  Every movement counts!  So what are you waiting for ~ start moving, even it it's a little.  Little by little, step by step you're4 on our way to increasing movement.  Research shows that a significant number of health benefits come from all types of extra movement you take in the process of a day.

Ready to Start?  Great!  But first, check with your doctor.  This is very important to your health, too.  If you’ve over forty or have risk factors for heart disease such as smoking, high/low blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes it is important to converse with your doctor before starting any new fitness course.  Once you get the approval to start, your mind will be clear to begin with your active life journey.  Start out slow and progress onward.  A little aerobic exercise, muscle strength conditioning and stretching are all part of an exercise journey.

Aerobic exercise can consist of many options; walking, jogging, dancing.  This works the large muscles in your body.  It will also benefit your cardiovascular system.  Working hard enough to elevate the heart rate ~ your heart is a muscle and it must perform work to get strong and stay strong.  Did you know that as your physical conditions improves; you will have to work harder to raise your heart rate?

Where as muscle strength conditioning is part of lifting weights to improve your posture, strength and tones the body.  True muscle strength conditioning requires you to move a resistance that is greater than the muscle is accustomed to.  Progressive resistance stimulates the muscles to stay strong and firm.  Muscle strength conditioning stimulates the manufacture of bone tissue because placing a load on the long bones of the body encourages a bone-building response.

And let's not forget stretching.  Stretching maintains flexibility, reduces the risk of muscle soreness, it allows a range of motion and the integrity of the joints.  Perform a stretch at the end of your workout by holding each stretch position for 15 - 20 seconds, fully extend across the joint and hold.  Then extend a bit further to get a complete stretch.  Try not to jerk, bounce or do excessive pulling for this could strain or damage the muscle tissues.  Breathe deeply as y our performing your stretches.  Ahh that feels sooooo good.  Feel that blood circulate inside your body.

Depending on where you want to begin, will be the start of your new exercise journey.  Not sure where to start?  Have questions, concerns or thoughts you would like to converse.  Don't stop there, send an email and connect with me.  I would be honored to assist and give some guidelines.

Here are a few suggestions to start adding movement to your day.      -Park a little further then you usually do when you go shopping      -Adopt a dog and take it for walks every day      -Stairs versus elevator      -Walk briskly whenever you can      -Find a sport or game you enjoy      -Swim or walk in a pool      -Go to a school that has a field track and take a walk around the track      -Putting groceries away ~ make some extra movements while taking foods out of the bag and placing into the cardboards

Remember, that your health and fitness you give your body will reward you in the long term of aging.

Oh, and let’s not forget the traveler's ~ take your walking shoes, gym attire or bathing suit with you.  For the most part in traveling, there is some type of gym, pool, beach, park or town you can do some type of movement, exercise or sport activity.

Till the next time... Gratifications from the Temples We are Given ~ Our Body