Lifetime exercise beneficial

      Unfortunately, some people do not take to heart the positive benefits exercise can produce for the body until they start to see the signs of aging.
      Joint stiffness, a loss of balance or a decrease in muscular strength are all "symptoms" associated with aging when in fact they are more the signs of a neglect of general fitness.
      The joints and organs of the body do eventually become less efficient as we age but exercise throughout your life can slow this process down. Unfortunately, there is no way to permanently stop the aging process but we can now live healthy into our 80s as active and independent individuals.
      Science and technology are now proving that living to the age of 100 might be the norm in the future. In order to keep our body going strong for all those years, it is important to exercise. Remember, if you don't use it you will eventually lose it.
      Keeping active allows many seniors to enjoy their golden years by traveling and getting involved in projects they might not have had the time to do while they were working. Regular exercise has shown to improve the mental outlook of many older adults, which leads to more activity.
      Regular cardiovascular exercise helps control high blood pressure and many have found by increasing their activity levels they are able to reduce or completely eliminate their medication. Of course, this should always be done under a doctor's supervision.
      Many diseases, especially cancer, become more prevalent as we age. Adult-onset diabetes typically develops in sedentary, overweight individuals. The insulin produced in the body can reach close to normal levels through exercise, which leads to better control over this disease.
      Exercise is also important for these patients as a decrease in lower limb circulation can have detrimental effects on the legs.
      Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones, is common in older adults, especially women. Resistance training helps to not only strengthen the muscle being used but also the connective tissues, which includes the bones.
      Women who start lifting weights in their 20s and 30s are setting up good habits for their future health. Research has shown, however, women in their 60s also see improvement in bone density by strength training.
      Another benefit of exercise for older adults is the control of body weight. Many seniors struggle with trying to maintain a healthy weight which can become easier if they are active.
      The primary reason the metabolism slows with aging is not because you are older but due to the loss of lean muscle tissue over the years. Seniors who participate in a moderate strength-training program twice a week have shown remarkable improvements in the lean-to-fat tissue ratio.
      I cannot emphasize how important strength training is for people of all ages not only for weight management and general health, but also for injury prevention.
      Getting older does not mean you have to give up the sports and activities you love. Tennis, bowling, golf and gardening are all great ways to stay active but you cannot expect to get fit from these activities. A general fitness program will help strengthen the muscles and the cardiovascular system, which will then enable you to perform better during these activities.
     
     Mike Springer and his wife, Kim, are certified by ACE, NASM and ACSM as personal trainers. They can be reached at 233-9442 and by fax at 233-9446.