Experts Finally Bust These 6 Myths About Fitness After 50
Myth #6: ‘I have a chronic health problem and can’t exercise’
A healthy dose of regular exercise that fits your current physical condition can actually improve chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. The only thing you must do before starting a workout program is to ask your physician if (and how) you can perform a certain exercise.
As for the type of physical activity you can do, it highly depends on your diagnosis and medication. Generally, people with the following conditions may need a personalized workout treatment:
- Asthma
- Recent concussions
- Influenza (the flu)
- High risk pregnancy
- Chronic heart conditions
Tips on exercising after 50
As I promised at the beginning of our post, here’s a series of simple tips that may help you improve your physical condition regardless of age:
- Listen to your body. Even if your exercise plan is designed by a personal trainer, it’s still crucial that you pay attention to the clues sent by your body. If you feel that a certain exercise is overwhelming, it’s best to take a break; on the other hand, if you feel that your fitness plan is very easy, you can increase the intensity gradually or add a few extra minutes to each workout.
- Follow a balanced schedule. What does ‘balanced schedule’ mean? It means that you should add fitness sessions to your daily routine according to your diet and energy levels. Make sure you enjoy a nutritious meal before and after each workout; also, it’s best to avoid physical activity three hours before bedtime as it increases your adrenaline levels and may cause insomnia.
- Try mindfulness. Everybody is talking about being mindful lately, but what does it really mean? Mindfulness is all about being present and focusing on all of your senses and surrounding environment. Many people tend to zone out during exercise, but being mindful can have a much better impact. Focus on your breathing, heartbeat, and how your body reacts to each movement. By doing so, you become more in touch with your body and you can achieve your maximum physical limits.
Which physical activity suits you best? Share your options in the comment section and let’s help each other become the best version of ourselves!
