It’s Never Too Late To Start An Exercise Program

I’ve had poor exercise habits all of my life. How can I finally get over the hump and start an exercise program I am likely to stick with?

The fact that you’ve acknowledged your need to get more regular exercise into your life is a very important first step! It means that you’re not in denial. You’re ready to take a serious, positive step towards improving your overall health picture and maybe even add some happy, productive years to your life.

As we all know, exercise is extremely important to maintaining good health. In particular, regular exercise is good for your heart and your entire cardiovascular system. It can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, energy levels and help you to lose weight.

Here are a few tips to help you get off the couch and get started on a whole new way of life:

· Schedule your day to include some physical activity in the same way you set aside time for work or social activities. Set aside the time and protect it.

· Try to be physically active at roughly the same time every day. Your body will respond favorably to this positive habit.

· Pick something you enjoy! If you like doing a certain type of physical activity your chances of sticking with it are that much greater. This can include walking, biking, swimming, etc. Check out your local fitness center for additional exercise choices.

· Build physical activity into your daily routines. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car further from the building entrance and take advantage of the walk.

· Plan your social gatherings around enjoyable activities. It’s easy and fun to catch up with friends while walking, rollerblading, playing tennis, skiing or hiking.

· Keep track of your progress. Keep a written logue of your activities. Reminding yourself of what you’ve done helps you stay motivated and establish a regular routine.

· Set realistic goals. Ask your doctor or personal trainer to make exercise suggestions that will keep you going instead of burning out.

· Be your own best friend. Be supportive of your efforts and forgiving of your lapses. It’s like riding a bike – when you fall off, just get back on! Every little bit of exercise counts.

· Your maximum benefit from physical activity occurs at 60 minutes of activity five times a week. Almost all of us can afford to do more.

Any exercise activity such as biking, jogging, walking, swimming or playing basketball that makes your muscles use oxygen is called aerobic exercise. When you are doing an aerobic exercise, your heart has to work harder to get more oxygen to your muscles. This makes your heart stronger and it should be the main focus of your exercise program.

Aerobic exercise has many benefits, including:

· Decreases your blood pressure, which reduces your risk for having a stroke
· Decreases your resting heart rate which puts less stress on your heart
· Increases the levels of HDL (“Good” cholesterol)
· Increases your cardiac output which means your heart pumps more blood throughout your body with each heart beat
· Decreases your resting respiratory rate which means your lungs don’t work as hard when you are at rest
· Increases blood flow to your lungs which allows you to get more oxygen into your bloodstream with every breath
· Burns calories which helps you lose weight

Again, choosing an activity you enjoy and making it a scheduled priority will go a long way towards establishing and sticking with any exercise program. But before you launch that program, it’s a smart idea to talk it over with your doctor to make sure you begin the right activity at the right pace.