As you age, you may find it harder to engage in the same forms of exercise you were used to when you were younger. There are many reasons for this – for one thing, with age comes reduced muscle mass and a lower maximum heart rate. While there is definitely a need to adjust your cardio exercise regime to fit your abilities, did you know that the biggest threat to your fitness is inactivity? To continue keeping fit and healthy during your golden years, follow these cardio exercise tips below.
Know Your Limits and Abide by Them
Before getting started with your exercise regime, it’s important that you get the all-clear from your physician if you have any medical conditions or mobility limitations. If you are on any medications for blood pressure or heart disease, always ask what effect they can have on your cardio exercise regime.
In addition, ask your doctor for guidance on the warning signs and symptoms that a workout has become too intense and that it’s time to slow down. While it is normal to experience some muscle soreness after a cardio exercise session, sharp pains or extreme breathlessness are not normal. When you know your limits and abide by them, you can ensure that you stay safe while keeping fit.
Identify Activities You Enjoy
Who says cardio has to be all about walking, jogging, running, or swimming? While these are definitely activities you can incorporate into your exercise regime, you will find that you get unmotivated easily if you aren’t enjoying it.
To keep fit while having fun at the same time, identify some activities you enjoy and stick to them. Gardening, dancing, or taking a stroll can all count as cardio exercise. Even running after the grandkids counts if you do it regularly enough!
Follow a Plan
You may prefer to dive right into things and get started with a jog immediately. However, if you take the time to plan your cardio exercise regime, you can get more out of it. Below are some essential elements to incorporate into your plan:
- Warm-ups
- Longer bouts of moderate physical activity
- Short bouts of more intense activity
- Cool-downs and stretches
Always remember to warm up before starting a more intense activity and cool down before finishing for the day.
Keep Fit and Active at Discovery Village At Naples
If you are finding it hard to keep fit and active while aging in place, making the move to Discovery Village At Naples may be the right choice for you. With our senior-focused health & fitness program, you can take part in a range of exercise classes and make full use of our senior-equipped fitness center. With all the amenities you need right on your doorstep, you will never have a reason to put off exercising again. Please feel free to book a tour of our retirement community with us today, where we will show you around our stylish campus and treat you to a complimentary lunch.
