These days it is getting more important to maintain our health. Especially into our older years, it is vital to maintain some muscle mass and to keep our core strong. I teach classes and do personal training to help people maintain or in some instances, regain their strength. So much of what we have come to think of as aging related deterioration is simply a lack of focus and exercise. Let’s face it, for most of us who are no longer in a regular exercise routine, getting started is tough, but you must get started, and you must keep going. Join a group, recruit a group of fiends sign up for classes and have a buddy who holds you accountable. Just keep moving!
WebMd had some great health tips for us too:
” Stop dieting.
“Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to forgo your favorite glass of wine or a piece of chocolate cake now and then. The key is moderation. Get a mix of lean proteins, healthy fats, smart carbs, and fiber.”
. Don’t “OD” on calcium.
“Too much absorbed calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones and may even increase the risk of heart disease. If you’re under 50, shoot for 1,000 milligrams per day, while over-50 women should be getting 1,200 milligrams per day mainly through diet — about three servings of calcium-rich foods such as milk, salmon, and almonds.”
Do more than cardio.
“Women need a mix of cardio and resistance or weight-bearing exercise at least three to five times a week to help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Exercise also promotes good self-image, which is really important to a woman’s mental health.”
Just remember a tip I learned at Weight Watchers, Use a smaller plate, then load the veggies on first and make sure they take up at least half of the room on that plate. Take a walk, and look at the sky, st the trees, at the flowers, if you live close enough, go look at the ocean. sometimes just watching the waves crash on the shore, smelling the clean, salty air, does my heart just as much good as any exercise. And don’t forget your friends. Sometimes, as we age and moving around becomes more difficult, we can become more isolated. There is nothing worse for our health than isolation.
I hope you found some of this information useful, perhaps even inspiring.
Val Boonstra
