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You may be putting off that over 40 exercise program because you are nervous. You worry that you could get hurt doing aerobics or jogging. Maybe you have been to the gym, but were intimidated by all of the other people who were in far better shape than you. Perhaps you find strenuous activity too uncomfortable. If you let these things intimidate you, you are risking your health and life. However, there are easier steps you can take that will get you started on the path to fitness.
Going for a walk is easy and is a fantastic workout. Ideally, this type of exercise should elevate your heartbeat for at least 30 minutes. Therefore, it does not matter how far or how fast you walk, just walk for 30 minutes. After a week, try to walk a little further in the same amount of time. As you do, you will gain strength and speed. It will not be long until you are ready for a light jog.
A simple bike ride is an excellent alternative to walking. Bicycling is lower impact and something you can do with a group, to stay motivated. You do not need an expensive bike, just one that feels comfortable. Stationary bikes are just as effective, but you may prefer the changing scenery of a bicycle. Also, many people are having success with recumbent cross training machines which is a stationary cycling style machine that exercises your total body.
Do not worry if you are not ready for a jog or a bike ride. It is very important that you start at a level that is comfortable for you. If you begin with too much intensity, you are more likely to lose motivation, quit, or injure yourself. If you want to start very slowly, there are simple exercises you can do throughout your day to prepare yourself for increased activity.
You can even sit at your desk or on a couch and still continue your exercises. Leg lifts, especially with the added resistance of ankle weights, build muscle and prepare you for greater activity. Two or five pound weights can be used to perform curls, which strengthens your upper body. These kinds of activity will help prepare you for more intensity like a brisk walk or light aerobics.
Your local pool may offer water aerobics or aquatic classes. These exercises are easy on your joints and prepare you for a more intense workout. Water resistance makes simple movements twice as effective. Also, you can use foam dumbbells and aqua belts to increase resistance even further.
Pedometers can help you better understand your current level of activity and improve. Once you have worn a pedometer for a week, you will know when you are the most sedentary. If you have little or no activity at work, use that as an opportunity for improvement. Try to take the stairs for at least one flight, park further away from the building, and take a walk over your lunch break.
You should not be intimidated. Walking, biking, or simple sitting exercises are very easy ways to begin an over 40 exercise program at your pace. You should never let worry keep you from a longer, healthier life.
Going for a walk is easy and is a fantastic workout. Ideally, this type of exercise should elevate your heartbeat for at least 30 minutes. Therefore, it does not matter how far or how fast you walk, just walk for 30 minutes. After a week, try to walk a little further in the same amount of time. As you do, you will gain strength and speed. It will not be long until you are ready for a light jog.
A simple bike ride is an excellent alternative to walking. Bicycling is lower impact and something you can do with a group, to stay motivated. You do not need an expensive bike, just one that feels comfortable. Stationary bikes are just as effective, but you may prefer the changing scenery of a bicycle. Also, many people are having success with recumbent cross training machines which is a stationary cycling style machine that exercises your total body.
Do not worry if you are not ready for a jog or a bike ride. It is very important that you start at a level that is comfortable for you. If you begin with too much intensity, you are more likely to lose motivation, quit, or injure yourself. If you want to start very slowly, there are simple exercises you can do throughout your day to prepare yourself for increased activity.
You can even sit at your desk or on a couch and still continue your exercises. Leg lifts, especially with the added resistance of ankle weights, build muscle and prepare you for greater activity. Two or five pound weights can be used to perform curls, which strengthens your upper body. These kinds of activity will help prepare you for more intensity like a brisk walk or light aerobics.
Your local pool may offer water aerobics or aquatic classes. These exercises are easy on your joints and prepare you for a more intense workout. Water resistance makes simple movements twice as effective. Also, you can use foam dumbbells and aqua belts to increase resistance even further.
Pedometers can help you better understand your current level of activity and improve. Once you have worn a pedometer for a week, you will know when you are the most sedentary. If you have little or no activity at work, use that as an opportunity for improvement. Try to take the stairs for at least one flight, park further away from the building, and take a walk over your lunch break.
You should not be intimidated. Walking, biking, or simple sitting exercises are very easy ways to begin an over 40 exercise program at your pace. You should never let worry keep you from a longer, healthier life.
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