There are volumes of information on the Internet about what you can do physically to enjoy the health benefits. In the next couple of posts I’m going to summarize – or at least give you my best attempt – that information so you won’t get on information overload and not do anything!

It is no secret but adding more activity into your life will keep you healthier. You can increase your physical activity by being active longer each time such as walking for 45 minutes instead of 30 minutes 3 times a week. Or you can be more active simply by being more active more often. Instead of walking 30 minutes 3 times a week, walk 30 minutes 5 or 6 days a week.

What ever you do, start from somewhere and WORK YOURSELF UP to the increase using common sense. You may even want to replace some of your more moderate activity, such as walking, with more vigorous activity such as jogging or kick boxing.

The import concept to keep in mind is that you should be working different parts of your body – your legs, hips, back, chest, stomach, shoulders and arms during your work out sessions. In other words there are exercises for your different muscle groups. For instance, you may want to include heavy gardening, such as digging and shoveling, among your physical activity. Other suggestions are:

  • Lifting weights (or cans of soup and bags of rice if you don’t have weights)
  • Push—ups on the floor, against the wall, from your knees
  • Sit-ups
  • Working with resistance bands

If working with a friend will get you going and keep you going then do the buddy system. More importantly, do the activities you enjoy. I like to track my time and progress because it helps me stay on course and keep working to reach my goals.

I also like to plan my physical activity for the week. I found, just like anything else, if I don’t schedule the time for walking, it doesn’t get done. I prefer to do my exercises first thing in the morning. Although when I’ve been sitting at my desk for a good chunk of time, there is nothing like going for a 20 minute quick walk outside or on the treadmill.

Might be fun to find out how everyone gets in their physical activity. You can use the comment box for your description.

To your healthy aging successes.

Ruthan Brodsky

Filed under: Fitness and Nutrition

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