Information
Exercise is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself! It is important to maintain your health and your abilities by doing regular exercise and physical activity according to the National Institute on Health. Studies have suggested that not exercising is a risky way of living. Inactive adults will lose their abilities in endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. These four areas are so important to living a healthy, active and independent life.
Endurance exercises increase your breathing and heart rate. They improve the health of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system. This type of exercise improves your stamina for the tasks you need to do to live and it may delay or prevent diseases such as diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Some examples of moderate endurance exercises are swimming, bicycling, riding a stationary bike, mowing, raking, brisk walking, mopping or dancing.
Strength exercises build your muscles. Very small increases in muscle can make a big difference in ability. These exercises increase your metabolism, helping to keep your weight and blood sugar at healthy levels which combat obesity and diabetes. Strength exercises may also help to prevent osteoporosis according to some studies.
Balance exercises help to prevent falls. Falling is a major cause of broken hips and other injuries that often lead to disabilities and loss of independence. One way to improve your balance is through “anytime, anywhere” balance exercises. For example, balance on one foot, then the other, while talking on the phone. Do as often as desired.
Flexibility exercises (also known as stretching exercises) help keep your body limber by stretching your muscles and the tissues that hold your body’s structure in place. Stretching exercises can help a person recover from injuries and to prevent injuries from happening. However, these exercises will not improve your endurance or strength. Always warm up your muscles before stretching. Never “bounce” into a stretch and make slow and steady movements.
Research suggests that you can maintain or at least partly restore these four areas through exercise or through everyday activities such as walking or gardening. Small changes resulting from exercise and physical activity can have a huge impact on a person’s life. The key is to increase your physical activity and to use your own muscle power. Adults hurt their health far more by not exercising than by exercising. It’s a good idea to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.