Tips for a Healthier Body at Any Age

Exercise can transform anyone at any age! In fact the older we get, the more beneficial exercise becomes to better our health both aesthetically and internally. It's well known that exercise helps reduce or even prevent the severity of many health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. It also helps make our daily tasks and chores (such as walking to our car after a long day of work, climbing the stairs, cleaning the house, carrying groceries, tying our shoes, etc.) easier to do. In fact the majority of our clients chose to exercise for health related reasons. But exercise also has the benefit of making our bodies look better which makes us feel better about ourselves.

Cardiovascular exercise is important for the heart and a great way to burn calories for weight loss. But, diet is just as important. You can do all the cardiovascular exercise you want, but in the end if you consume more energy then you expend, you won't lose weight. A healthy diet and a consistent cardiovascular program will not only allow you to reach your goals for a better body, but will make you feel healthier and better about yourself.

Even more important to look healthier is strength training. Strength training builds muscle and makes us look stronger and healthier. This becomes even more important in mid-life because we lose muscle mass as we get older. Hence we lose strength, our bodies don't look as defined, and our metabolism decreases. Age related muscle loss is something that can't be prevented but can be slowed down. Strength training is the fountain of youth that helps impede the ageing process.

Flexibility training is also important. Even though increased flexibility won't change the way you look, it will change the way you feel. Increased flexibility allows every movement you make easier and more fluid. Joints are more mobile and move through a greater range of motion with ease. In return you have more energy and more freedom to do what you want.

Good posture makes everyone look better no matter what your age. If you hold you head low that's the way you going to feel and your body shows it. Hold you head high and you feel good and look healthy and confident. Always try to maintain a good posture. Flexibility exercises, such as yoga, and specific strength training exercises for the back and rear shoulders muscles can help you maintain good posture.

Finally, make sure you get plenty of sleep and let yourself de-stress. Stress and lack of sleep can really take its toll on the way you look and feel. Find ways to help you distress: maybe a walk in the park during your lunch hour, a workplace yoga class, a hot bath, or a massage. Your mind and body work hard all day; give them some time to rejuvenate and rest!

Related articles

• 6 Reasons to Add Strength Training to Your Workout Plan (everydayhealth.com)
• Strength Training Equipment: A User's Guide (everydayhealth.com)