Welcome back to this week’s edition of 2-Minute Tuesdays where we are talking about one exercise topic for two minutes and giving you three reasons why you should follow our advice. Now this week, we are talking to those of you who may (or may not) consider themselves to be seniors. What exercise tips do you have to keep in mind to help maintain and improve the health and function of your body if you feel like you are getting up there in age?
1) Do Not Stop Weight Training
Tip number one – do not stop weight training. If you are not familiar with weight training, make sure you find a professional who can help you, or you can refer to one of our podcasts called “The Exercise Pyramid” and make sure you are doing foundational-type exercise. Resistance training is so crucial to the health of your bones, muscles, and joints, and if you do it in the proper manner, you will not have any of the negative achy side effects.
Action Step: Click here to see a great list of the most qualified trainers in your area! And if you would like to try exercising on your own, be sure to download our 5-Minute Mobility Check program so you can help your body stay safe while you workout.
Related: 3 Reasons Why You MUST Do Resistance Training
2) Stay Moving Throughout Your Day
Tip number two – make sure you stay moving throughout your day. It is great to spend 20-30 minutes getting after it with some weights, but you have to make sure you are staying active throughout the rest of your day as well. Going to the gym is not permission to not do anything the rest of the day.
Action Step: Go to the gym, get your workout in, but make sure you stay moving the rest of the day, as well. Set a timer that reminds you to move around every 30 minutes for at least 5 minutes.
Related: Are you a first time exerciser? Read this.
3) Get Your Heart Rate Up
Tip number three – make sure you are still finding times during the week, during your workouts when you are getting your heart rate up. This can be used as a traditional cardiovascular-type exercise or an exercise where you are letting your heart rate rise and fall throughout the workout.
Action Step: At least two days each week try participating in activities that get your heart rate up. Consult with your physician as to how high he or she would like it to be.