First Law of Exercise............Keep Moving
Bodies in motion tend to stay in motion. Sir Issac Newton may not have been talking about exercise when he stated his First Law of Motion on July 5, 1687, but he had it right. When you exercise, it becomes much easier to keep moving. When you don't.........joints stiffen, stomachs sag, and stairs become a challenge.
Slow or fast, staying in motion is vital for every body at every age. When sitting for two hours or more, your body significantly reduces enzymes that help break down fat and decreases good cholesterol (HDL) formation. Sitting behind a desk or in front of a video game, age 16 or 60, time matters. Good cholesterol (HDL) is reduced by 20% after only two hours of sitting. Take a break, stand up, stretch your legs, and reach out your arms every 30 minutes. Take a walk.....around your desk, down the hall, and up the stairs. Stay in motion.
Aging is not a reason to stop exercise, it's an opportunity to try something new. Try swimming or water exercise to take stress off your low back. Try tennis to improve eye/hand coordination. Try cycling to improve knee mobility. Senior exercise programs should consider the affects of getting older, as vision and hearing changes or limited mobility. Discussing your options with your physican and physical therapist can help you find the right plan.
Physical therapists are trained to assess fitness levels, note limitations, and recommend adaptations in an exercise program. Many offer specialized assessments as golf, cycling, and weight training. Seeking professional advice will help keep a body in motion.
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