Exercise: An Effective Strategy for Anti-Aging

One of the best anti-aging strategies is also the simplest. It’s a time-tested technique that can be done by anyone, anytime… and it’s also free.  You guessed it: exercise! Even thirty minutes of exercise a day offers great health and wellness benefits, helping you stay strong and youthful.

Your fitness program should feature a combination of aerobic/cardio exercise, strength training, and flexibility training.

• Aerobic activityAerobic exercise ups your metabolism, increases oxygen intake, and gets your blood pumping.  Aerobic exercise also helps burn calories so you stay slim.  Upping the intensity to cardio level keeps your heart healthy, one of the most important goals for anti-aging effects, as well as long-term health and wellness.There are many enjoyable aerobic activities that are fun to do both alone and with a partner.  You can incorporate walking, running, jogging, swimming, biking, elliptical training, rowing, dancing, and active sports into your aerobic fitness program.
• Strength trainingStrength training promotes good balance and healthy posture. It increases your endurance and helps build muscle mass, giving you that nicely toned look. Plus, toned stomach muscles help you avoid back injuries.For your strength training, try incorporating sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, and pilates or yoga into your fitness program. You can also train with free weights or weight machines.
• FlexibilityFlexibility helps you maintain good posture and healthy circulation. It also aids in injury prevention, both in your exercise program and in daily activities.For flexibility, incorporate 5-10 minutes of stretching into your daily exercise program.  You should only stretch when your muscles are warm, after 5-10 minutes of gentle exercise.  Stretching cold can cause muscle strains or injuries. You should also stretch after aerobic exercise or strength training, to help minimize muscle soreness.

If done consistently, your fitness program will make you feel years younger!  You can get rid of insomnia, back pain, tension, and extra pounds. Plus, you’ll look better, feel better, and have more energy for both work and play.