Aging-Slowed Down with Exercise

Should the elderly use free weights? Weight training will benefit the elderly by adding strength and mobility to their bodies. Using free weights on a regular basis add strength, agility and energy. Exercise such as walking, biking and using free weights is one way to accomplish the goal of staying healthy and fit. Many younger and older people enjoy staying in shape, looking good and feeling good.

Getting older does not mean you need to stop physical activity and sit around all day long. Many seniors complain about getting older and suffering the aches and pains of aging. This situation does not have to be a reality. Plan a comfortable and attainable workout program, eat a healthy diet and you can push the aging years back for a long time. Use free weights several times a week and you will strengthen your arms and keep your bones strong. Start out with light weights and work your way up to heavier ones, The improvement in muscle tone and strength will amaze you.

Check online for specific exercises. If you go to a gym already, ask one of the gym employees for help with the best resistance training exercises.

If this is your first experience using free weights, start out slowly. At first the weights may feel awkward and difficult to lift; and you will be tempted to give up this exercise. Constant repetition and sticking with the program will encourage you to continue on a regular basis. . If you are a complete beginner start with one-pound weights and use this size until it becomes very easy for you. As you become more comfortable with the weights you can graduate slowly to heavier weights. Use whatever weights feel comfortable and make sure you use them properly. It is a good idea before embarking on weights to be shown how to use them properly by a professional.

• Remember to discuss using weights with your health provider before all exercise programs.

Start out using your weights twice a week for approximately 5 minutes. You can gradually start using the weights every other day for ten minutes. As time goes on your body will tell how much time to spend working out with weights, how often and how heavy. You will gradually feel stronger and more flexible. And the side benefit of using free weights is that your arms will look better. Along with looking better, weight training for strength will sharpen your reflexes and improve your balance.

Developing a happy attitude about life and accepting aging as natural you can control many of the myths about getting older.

• Exercise is a mood enhancer
• You will have a sense of well being
• Feel stronger
• Better balance
• Look trimmer and fit
• Strengthen bones
• Strengthen muscles
• Fight fatigue
• Feel peppy
• Improves cognition and memory