Top 5 Healthy Exercises

Healthy Exercise Water Aerobics People seem to get less active as they gain weight and when they’re getting older. Let’s face it; there are a lot of baby boomers in the world right now. There’s really no excuse for a person not to make the time for healthy exercise.

Getting older is not an excuse to avoid getting in shape. As a matter of fact, it is even more important as you age to keep a healthy exercise program. Your plan should include endurance, strength training, stretching and balance exercise.

You can maintain a healthy, active lifestyle by incorporating all of these activities into your normal routine. And most importantly keep your exercise program FUN!

Here are the Top 5 Healthy Exercises:

Healthy Exercise #1 – Walking

Walking is one of the simplest ways to exercise. It’s probably the most healthy exercise you’ll find. Most doctors recommend walking. The best part about walking is you don’t need any special equipment, membership or have to keep to strict time restraints.

You can walk by yourself and use that as your “alone” time, or walk with a friend to keep each other motivated, or you can join a local walking club. Walking with other people makes it much easier to stick to than an exercise plan because it is harder to avoid. Depending on where you walk, and who you walk with can also make it that much more fun. There is nothing like a good conversation to pass the time and trick yourself into not even realizing you are getting a great workout!

You can walk anywhere, anytime. (We do encourage you to use common sense and always put your safety first.) You can literally walk anywhere- the gym, the mall, the park, the beach, around the block, on a treadmill in your living room, the list is endless …

Walking is a healthy exercise because it helps to reduce stress, works your large muscle groups and is low impact. Plus, it is a great and easy way to lose weight, get in shape, and keep the weight off.

Healthy Exercise #2 – Water Aerobics

Whether you are new to exercise or are already in great shape, this is a great way to get your healthy exercise and meet new people at the same time. Many gyms and community centers offer classes for all ages, skill, and goal levels. Water offers great resistance while being low impact which means it’s easier on your body. You still get the same burn as a high impact workout without the strain on your joints.

Healthy Exercise #3 – Weight Training

People that add weight training to their healthy exercise program lose a higher percentage of body fat while on a weight loss program. Weight training does not have to be strenuous or hard and does not mean you will get big and bulky.

When you do weight training in addition to a regular healthy exercise routine you can decrease loss of muscle mass and bone density which helps you maintain balance and mobility. That can enhance your health and quality of life, especially as you age.

Healthy Exercise #4 – Yoga

Some yoga does require an incredible amount of strength and balance however there are plenty of poses that are terrific for those who are just beginning or have some health issues. A good place to start is by taking a class geared towards beginners or those of us with lower skill levels. Yoga is great for staying relaxed and getting a better night’s sleep as well as gaining flexibility and retaining balance.

Healthy Exercise #5 – Sports

Just because you most likely won’t be a professional athlete any time soon (or in this lifetime for that matter), it doesn’t mean that you can’t get out and have some fun. Many community centers and senior organizations have adult “for fun” leagues you can join. It’s a great way to meet new people, spend time with good friends, and stay in shape while you’re having fun and getting a good dose of some healthy exercise.

Even if you don’t want to join a league you can still go to the park and play baseball (or basketball, or football, or tennis, or…well, you get the point) with your grandkids. You’ll still get a workout in that way as well, not to mention spending invaluable quality time with those you love.

It doesn’t really matter what healthy exercise you choose to do to stay in shape – As long as you choose to do something. Have fun with it. The more fun you’re having the more likely you will stick to your exercise program and in turn stay fit and healthier for a long time to come.

Popularity: 10% [?]