Age-Appropriate Exercises

Regular weight training and cardiovascular exercise are among the best tools in your anti-aging arsenal, and they can also make it easier to achieve lasting weight loss. A substantial amount of research demonstrates that keeping active is one of the best things you can do for your health, especially as you get older.

Regular exercise helps to maintain bone density and muscle mass, which can aid in the prevention of painful bone fractures and help you retain your strength, flexibility and posture with age. In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, keeping active will help you relieve stress, sleep better, maintain a positive mood, prevent cognitive decline and improve your energy levels.

Though the benefits of physical activity apply to people of all ages, it’s important to exercise carefully as you get older. Our bones and muscles can get weaker with age, and this can put us at a higher risk of injury.

There are three fundamental forms of exercise. They include:

• Cardiovascular exercise. This kind of activity can help you build endurance for everyday activities and improve the health of your heart. Try gentle cardiovascular activities like walking, swimming and cycling.
• Strength training. This kind of activity builds your muscles by working them against resistance from weights, elastic bands or your own body. Strength training will help you preserve your muscle mass, strengthen your bones and improve your balance. Try starting with light hand weights.
• Flexibility and balance training. Flexibility training will help your joints stay limber and preserve their range of motion. Balance training will help you stay stable and avoid falls, both when you’re moving and standing still. Yoga is excellent for both of these elements of your fitness, while Tai Chi is particularly useful for balance.

Each of these forms of activity can be done at low, moderate or high intensity levels. Start out slow and check in with your anti-aging doctor to make sure your body is up for the challenge of physical activity.

As you explore your fitness options, find activities that you enjoy. This can help you stay motivated and interested in your workout routine. Continuing to focus on fitness for your whole life will help you maintain your health and get better results from your anti-aging therapy and weight loss program.