Add Variety Now and Ache Less Later
By: Suzanne Zilkowsky | March 26, 2009
Exercise! Just the sound of it can make some people cringe. Furthermore, as we age most of us are likely to have aches and soreness due to muscle and joint pain.
There is however, ways to avoid this path. People who are committed to regular aerobic exercise, strength training and yoga will feel much less as they age.
Information is golden and this is why I tell my clients that “variety” is the way to go with their fitness training. For example, the more we incorporate different elements of fitness into our lives, the greater the chances are for reducing the risk of future chronic aches and pains. Here are a few suggestions:
- Bring yoga into your workouts – Yoga improves flexibility, boosts endorphins and builds joint-supporting strength.
- Cross Train – Mix cardio & strength training into your routine. As we get older we lose lean muscle mass.
- Try using the Swiss ball vs. the bench during your workouts – Used in rehabilitation since the 1960’s, Swiss balls are now becoming popular in gyms. Training with the Swiss ball can improve balance, posture and dynamic strength.
- Strengthen your core and quads – A strong core will allow you to keep optimal body alignment for whatever you’re doing (swim, bike or run), and this in turn will reduce your fatigue in the long run. Weak quadriceps muscles are linked to knee arthritis, so work them out.
By incorporating more variety into your workouts you will not only feel more motivated, but you will also be increasing your bone density and lean muscle mass, which ultimately helps to reduce other pains in your life.
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About the Author:
Suzanne Zilkowsky - Hi, I’m Suzanne, your editor. I’m passionate about health, fitness and well being. I’m never far from Fitness Goop, but I can also be found out and about exploring yoga classes, walking my dog and feeding my tummy with good food.
I have a background in Fitness and own a Personal Training c...
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