We Need to Exercise
 |
| /image:topnews.in/ |
Some of us don’t mind exercising, for others
running is something you do only when a man is chasing you with a knife. Statistics show over and over again that the
unhealthiest people are those who do no form of exercise. Regular exercise
helps to control weight, boosts the immune system, combats disease, boosts
energy, promotes better sleep, helps the sex life, helps manage stress, helps
build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, reduces the risk of
diabetes and enhances work performance.
‘I’m on a strict running program – I started
yesterday – I’ve only missed one day so far’.
Planning to make daily exercise a habit is the way
to go. The secrets are: start slowly, find someone to exercise with to keep you
accountable and pick an exercise you like.
Health professionals say that any exercise is
better than none and are generally agreed that 30 minutes a day is a good
minimum. This can include gardening, mowing the lawn, cleaning around the
house, walking up and down a few flights of stairs and stepping out for a brisk
walk or leaving the car at home for short trips.
‘the only exercise some people get is jumping to
conclusions, running down others, side stepping responsibility and pushing
their luck.’
Recommended physical activity for various age groups:
18 – 35 yrs is the best stage of life to be
involved in sport. Children and teenagers who play sport reap the rewards in
later life of health and more benefits from physical activity. At this age the
body should be properly rested at least once a week.
35 – 50 yrs workout moderately three days a week.
Over doing it at this age can result in injury and low risk activities such as
swimming, walking and biking are best.
50 – 60 yrs start small if not accustomed to regular
exercise and gradually build up. Golf, swimming, biking and walking are suggested. Always consult with your
doctor first. Stretching and pilates can also be beneficial.
60 yrs and over – swimming and aqua aerobics along
with walking can increase organ resistance to aging and lower muscular and
cardio vascular deterioration. Once again always consult with your doctor.
Seniors can also try this regimen: obtain two 5 lb potato
sacks and hold each at arm’s length while standing for one full minute then relax.
Do this exercise for two weeks then move to 10 lb sacks doing the same
exercise. Once you feel strong enough, probably after two weeks, move up to 50
lb sacks and after two more weeks change to 100 lb sacks. When you start to
feel confident at this level try putting one potato in each sack.
Sharon Freeman is a freelancer who
writes about Shoulder Surgery and health
information for companies like Kaliper Orthopedics.
