Submitted by Wendy Landrum
For The Voice
Are you the victim of Age-ism?
“Come on grandma, sit down and take it easy before you hurt yourself. After all, you’re no spring chicken”. Well, there is something you need to know. You are never too old to benefit from regular physical activity.
In fact, studies show that 30 minutes of appropriate physical activity daily successfully battles the inevitable effects of aging.
Wouldn’t you love to challenge your great-grandchild to a bike or foot race and actually be able to compete? With properly taking care of your body there is no reason this cannot become reality.
A significant part of society has long believed that you should not exert yourself if you have entered the golden years. Wrong! They must not realize that gold does not rust.
True, at first you may need to take it slow and easy (as you exercise). But, there is absolutely no reason that you can’t condition your body to have increased strength, flexibility and agility. With an approved exercise program endorsed by your doctor you can expect to realize many significant benefits from regular physical activity:
• Reduce the risk of premature death
• Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
• Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
• Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
• Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer or breast cancer
• Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
• Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
• Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones and joints
• Reduce depression and anxiety
• Improve psychological well-being
• Increase your energy level
Regular physical activity is similar to wise financial investing. The sooner you begin doing it the better the potential dividends over time. So, what are you waiting for?
All you have to do is “reduce” your hesitancy and get started! Begin by consulting with your doctor. Good luck and great health.
Wendy Landrum is the owner of “You Deserve This” Fitness for Women in Burley. She can be reached at 260-1974 if you would like to learn about the classes that she offers.
