Getting Into Good Shape at Any Age
At a certain point in life, people stop wanting to have birthdays because they know they are getting older. People fear getting older because it is associated with deteriorating physical and mental health.
However, there is no need to worry about getting older if you take control of your health and physical condition.
Getting into good health and physical shape is your responsibility and is easier than you think.
Don't rely on your doctor to get you into good physical shape. In fact, your doctor often benefits from your physical decline as you age. As your physical condition deteriorates, then you can be put on some sort of medication that needs to be monitored on a regular basis and your doctor and the entire health care system gets more of your money. Not to suggest your doctor would put you on something you don't need, but he or she may not discuss proper nutrition and exercise as viable alternatives to age-related physical decline.
In fact, most medical providers don't even suggest changing diet and exercise to their younger patients.
Because very few middle-aged to older adults take the initiative to fix their physical health, many people believe that declining health is just what naturally happens as people get older. But it doesn't have to be this way.
Being physically fit has many advantages, such as improved cardiovascular health, more self confidence, improved mood, and greater mental clarity.
Many people, both old and young, make all sorts of excuses for being in poor physical condition (e.g., I'm too old, I'm too out of shape, I'm too tired, I don't have enough time, ect.).
It is never too late to start eating better. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables will do wonders for your health. By also cutting out the junk food (meaning almost all processed foods) will help your health too. You could also try juicing to improve your health and get more veggies into your diet.
Regarding exercise, if you haven't been exercising, you can start slow and gradually work up to doing more. If you are really out of shape you could start by taking short walks and gradually build up to longer ones.
Often you don't need much in the way of equipment to start exercising. Often, just a good pair of sneakers and a good water bottle will do.
Need Some Inspiration?
If you need some inspiration and a role model to get you started working out, then meet Ernestine Shepherd.
Ernestine began working out when she was 56 years old and is now 77 and still going strong.
She is proof that you really can begin working out at any age.
Watch the You Tube video of her story.
Well, one thing is for certain - Ernestine sure doesn't have to worry about getting osteoporosis in her back! Her back muscles are fantastic! Yours could be too, but you need to start somewhere.
Ernestine is certainly an inspiration to all of us.
If you haven't been exercising, then be sure to start out slow. If you are older or really out of shape, you may want to get a physical before embarking on a new work out program.
The purpose of this article is mostly to motivate older adults to get into shape, however, there is no need to wait until you are older to begin. The earlier you start, the sooner you'll be in shape and the sooner you'll feel and look better.