Getting your heart going is one of the best ways to keep healthy, even if you haven’t exercised much in the past. Lots of fun activities are great for sorts of fitness levels.

Remember—it’s never too late to start. Scientific studies show that nearly everyone can benefit from exercise. Some benefits include:

• Your body gets fitter – Having a healthy heart means being able to keep up with those activities that you love. Additionally, with increased strength and balance, you lessen the chance of suffering a fall.
• You can ward off disease – Exercise can improve your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes,and cancer to name a few. Exercise can also boost your immune system, as well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Your mind can get sharper – The risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia is significantly lowered in those who regularly exercise. But even those who don’t have dementia can improve their mental sharpness through exercise. Studies show that a few sessions of getting your heart rate up half an hour can vastly improve cognitive function for everyone.
• Mood improves – After even a mild cardio workout, endorphins are released which leads to a great mood.
• Reduces stress and improves sleep – Stress reduction is associated with lower risk of disease. A proper nights rest is also crucial for a healthy body.

 

Looking for some new exercises? Try these:

 

Yoga or Tai Chi

Yoga can help you stay stress free, and improve your strength and balance. Try taking a class at a community centre to get you started with the basics.

 

Swimming

Swimming is a great way to strengthen your muscles while also being low impact. Some doctors recommend swimming to patients with arthritis who want to keep active.

 

Badminton or Tennis

Racket sports are great for building strength and cardio. They’re also great for socializing! If you’re up for it, try signing up for a seniors’ league.

 

Bowling

Bowling is a great activity to do with the family, and is relatively light activity. If you’re feeling competitive, there are seniors bowling leagues as well.

 

Bicycling

Biking, if you’re up for it, is a great way to spend some time outside and relatively low impact. If you don’t like biking in high-traffic areas, try riding around the Stanley park seawall or a park. If you’re concerned about balance, try indoor cycling. It has all the benefits of cycling outside, but can make you feel a little more secure.

 

Walking

It’s pretty simple, but a simple stroll in the evenings can really improve your health. Try going for 20

minutes after dinner, and vary your speed if you’re looking for an extra challenge in your workout.

 

Golf

Golf combines going outside, getting fresh air, walking, and practicing your swing. It’s a good way to socialize with others while keeping your body active.

 

Aerobics Class

For many people, being with others can be enjoyable and motivating. Try joining a class at a gym or community centre. Because of the fast-paced nature of aerobics, you’ll get a great cardio workout helping your heart and body.

 

If you’re new to exercise, finding the right activity for your fitness level may be easier than you think. It’s never too late to start, and keeping active is one of the most effective ways of maintaining your overall health both physically and mentally. Happy Exercising!

Tags: healthy living exercise