Benefits of Physical Activity & Fitness As We Age

Do you want to live a long life? Or perhaps a long, healthy one?

The partner to sound nutrition is physical activity or fitness.

It is a well known belief that we have to work harder to both stay fit and keep the weight off as we age. Our metabolism is slowing down, and unless some medical miracle occurs within the next few years, it will continue to do so.

We have to work at staying trim, flexible and within a healthy weight range, however there are many additional benefits of physical activity and fitness. Unfortunately inactivity increases with age, and the loss of stamina and strength as we get older is partly attributed to this lack of physical activity.

As I have been in the fitness industry for many years, I could go on forever about the benefits of physical activity and fitness, however I will list some below and you can either wonder if you experience any of these benefits now, or perhaps look forward to seeing the rewards in the very near future.

Obviously there are many health benefits to maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Reducing such conditions as blood pressure, risk of coronary disease, breast and colon cancer; assisting in weight management, building healthier muscles, bones and lubricated joints, it also promotes psychological well being thereby reducing feelings of anxiety, depression and stress. Regular activity improves our body awareness and body shape, also encouraging an increase in general well-being. Our sleep patterns are improved dramatically when we are active, promoting more absolute feelings of wellness.

As our bodies become for fit from physical activity, further rewards are achieved such as strengthening our cardiovascular fitness, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and possible obesity. Back pain, arthritic and other muscular pain may also be reduced or controlled, and because of all those natural opiates or endorphins being released into the brain, we have improved moods and greater feelings of optimism.

Even a better sex life!

Physical activity does not mean we have to spend hours each day in a gym. We can go for a walk, have a session in the garden, go dancing, or increase the stamina and go for a run, do a kick boxing class or swim laps. As long as we partake in an activity we enjoy, we can succeed. As our fitness level increases, then try something a little more challenging or increase the intensity, distance or duration. It is also a good idea to vary the activities both indoor and out, so if it happens to rain, you will have no excuse to miss out.

Everyone will benefit from a regular amount of exercise, but if you have been sedentary for a while, consult your doctor prior to commencing any fitness plan.

All in all, life is more energised and therefore far more enjoyable when we include physical activity and fitness in our days.