You roll out of bed every morning, the neck creaks, the shoulders ache, the back cracks, the hips are stiff…….. basically everything hurts!
For most of us, this is a daily occurrence and one we have put up with for many years. The older we get, the more pain we seem to be in and therefore try and reduce movement to ease the pain. So much so, that when we reach 65+, most of us give up and “jack it all in”.
BUT should this be an excuse not to train?
Too many people blame their small aches and pains for not exercising regularly OR that they are “past it”. Excluding those with major injuries, who are recovering from an operation or have a long term chronic illness, EVERYONE should be up on their feet moving, WHATEVER your age.
We loose, on average, 3 kilos of muscle mass every decade if the muscles aren't worked. Weight training prevents this loss, and so should be included in your workout routine. This is why strength training is so vital for anyone wanting to improve their health and longevity of life (sorry a bit morbid I know, but true!) If you were active as a child or as a teen, then getting back into exercise is a little easier as the muscles have a memory and will remember all those movement patterns and combinations learnt at that time…. Yes, even after ALL that time!
Osteoporosis is another common side effect to the ageing process, making the bones very fragile and means breaks and fractures are likely to occur. Again, through regular weight training sessions, this can be avoided.
These days, many people turn to drugs to fix their aches and pains, when really the majority of the time they can be fixed through exercise. High blood pressure is common condition that can be easily be controlled through exercising. Start off with basic movement patterns and exercises , which can then be progressed gradually to higher intensity sessions and with more weight training thrown in. This way you wont shock the body into having a meltdown.
Most symptoms of old age- such as loss of balance, weakness etc are due to the lack of activity the person has done anyway. Most worry about falling and breaking a hip, but the strength and balance gained from working out means your less likely to fall in the first place.
Mental health is another major benefit from exercise, which I have mentioned in previous blogs. Not only does it release serotonin, the feel good hormone, but more importantly, it boosts your brain function to improve memory and ward off severe illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer's.
Starting your exercise regime doesn't have to be big and crazy! Start small if need be and gradually build it up from there. If that means walking a few minutes a day, or getting out of bed on your own- its a START and its better than nothing! This game is a slow and steady one and requires patience. BUT if you have the right people and support around you, guiding you through the process, like the family we have at The Unit Fitness, it makes it a HECK of a lot easier to stick with!
Your health and well being should never be shunned and you should always try and improve your quality of life, no matter what age
And the time is NOW. CLICK HERE to start your journey today!