Move it or lose it can mean a couple of things. When discussing fitness, it means you have to exercise, or you’ll lose muscle mass, energy, strength, and flexibility. The downward decline starts in the mid-30s and continues until the person dies. If you exercise regularly, you can slow, stop, or even reverse that muscle tissue loss that leads to sarcopenia, osteoporosis, obesity, a weak immune system, poor circulation, heart issues, inflammation, hormonal issues, and injuries. You have a lot more to lose than just your biceps. You could lose the ability to live independently.
It’s all about consistency.
If you don’t exercise often but exercise hard when you do, you could be doing yourself a disservice. It can also cause undesirable results. Your body can’t handle the dramatic increase in exercise. When you start, take it slowly. Focus on form when doing calisthenics or lifting instead of the number of reps or the weight you lift. Start by running short distances or walking more if you’re out of shape. Make an appointment every day to exercise.
Make sure you do all forms of exercise.
There are four fitness categories. Focus on all four: strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. All of them help prevent injuries but in different ways. Flexibility exercises prevent muscle tears and sprains by expanding the range of motion. Strength-building also prevents injury by reinforcing muscles. Balance helps prevent falls, and endurance improves your heart and breathing to keep you going longer.
If you’ve exercised before but haven’t for a while, you’ll get in shape quicker.
Studies show that people who worked out previously get fitter faster than someone who never exercised. Even if you never exercised, it’s never too late to start. The body is amazing. It repairs itself and continues to build new tissue throughout your life. The more active you are, the easier it is to maintain good health. Exercise lengthens telomeres that prevent chromosomes from unraveling. It protects the cells. It also improves sleep quality, lowers blood pressure, reduces depression, prevents cancer, and improves brain and heart health.
- It’s time to start exercising before you face the consequences of a serious condition like heart disease or diabetes. It’s easier to do when you’re healthy and will keep you healthier longer.
- You also need a healthy diet, in addition to regular exercise. You can’t out-exercise a bad diet. Getting adequate sleep and hydration are also vital.
- Switch your routine frequently. If you do strength training or an intense workout one day, do recovery exercises the next couple of days, focus on flexibility training, or work on a different muscle group.
- Find ways to increase activity. Park further from the store and walk or use the stairs instead of the elevator. Use leisure time to be more active. Ride bikes or hike instead of going to the movies with the family.
For more information, contact us today at Iron Fit San Antonio