Regular Exercise Improves
Physical and Mental Health

Regular exercise is one of the best things we baby boomers can do to improve physical and mental health. It improves posture, relieves pains, increases our ability to carry on every day tasks, and generally improves our state of mind.

A regular exercise program doesn't necessarily mean participating in an aerobics class at your local health club. There are many different types of exercise. Choose whatever is best for you. Walk, lift weights, garden, dance, water aerobics, bicycle , row a boat, golf, badminton, shuffleboard, tennis, ping-pong, bowl, swim, scuba dive... the list is endless. You can choose one type of activity or diversify.

Be sure of course to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Get Motivated

The important thing is to participate in some kind of physical activity every day. Challenge yourself beyond the comfortable, sweat a little; it's good for your skin. If regular exercise is already a part of your life, that's fantastic. Start to increase your activity by 5-10 minutes a day.

Are you the type of baby boomer that needs friends around for motivation? Then talk to them and find out who's ready to get up of her or his behind and both of you start motivating each other.

Are you too busy? No such thing. That's just an excuse. Set your alarm a half hour earlier and participate in an early morning workout in front of your TV. There are dozens exercise programs on cable and local channels or buy/rent a DVD.

If regular exercise is not part of your daily schedule, decide to do something, anything physical, twice a week for 15 minutes each time and gradually work your way up to five days a week, 30 minutes each time. Go at your own pace.

No matter if you're 30, 50 or 80, male or female, everyone needs to be physically active. What you need to do is decide what is best for you. Find an activity that's fun, yet challenging. Below are a few questions that can help you choose what's right for you:

1. When during the day can I set aside a half hour for myself?
2. Do I want to participate in a group activity, by myself, or with one or 2 friends?
3. What activities should I limit or avoid because of physical restrictions or handicap?
4. What activities do I enjoy most?
5. Where can I do my exercise?
6. What activities are available in my community?
7. Do I prefer a set routine or do I want diversification?

Use It or Lose It

If you don't use your body, you'll lose it; it's as simple as that.

Muscle volume, flexibility, range of movement, balance, are all affected by exercise or by the lack of. If you want to be able to continue to move and function independently 10-15 years down the road, getting fit is a must, now more then ever.

If you have osteoporosis , you might think that exercise can be dangerous for you. The opposite is true. Regular exercise can strengthen your bones as well as the muscles that surround and support them.

Heart disease is one of the major concerns as we age. Physical activity improves blood circulation which can help prevent and possibly reverse heart disease, lower blood pressure and strengthen the heart muscles.

Brain fitness can be improved through a regular exercise program and lead to improved memory, improved sleep, as well as reduction in the occurrences of both dementia and depression.

Be sure to stretch before and after any activity to improve flexibility and avoid injury.

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