Get Fit

Exercise is just as important in your older years as when you were younger. It’s well known that regular exercise can help to boost heart health, maintain a healthy body weight, keep joints flexible and healthy, and improve balance to minimize falls. And it’s not as time-consuming as you may think. For general health benefits, older adults need about 2.5 hours of aerobic (walking, running, and other activities that get the heart pumping faster) activity per week, combined with muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. 

Making exercise part of your daily life isn’t hard if you make it a priority. To do that, you need to develop goals and an exercise plan that match your needs and interests. 

Extreme weather doesn’t have to put an end to your fitness routine, even if the treadmill or stair-stepper seems boring compared with jogging or riding your bike outside. What’s important is to ask yourself: How can I make exercise different to make it more motivating? If you’re seeking an answer, you may want to consider these five indoor fitness options, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) says. Some build on familiar activities, but others may be new to you. Always keep some variety in your exercise routines, to prevent boredom and drop out. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, be sure to check with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise routine.

Whether it’s for fitness, recreation or competition, thousands of people in Arkansas run. Running regularly is one of the best ways to stay in shape, and it’s easy to get started – especially if you run with a group or join one of the Arkansas running clubs in your area. The health benefits of running include a stronger cardiovascular system, weight loss, and reduced stress, among others.

I’m sure last week was challenging for those trying to keep New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight or exercise more with the snow and cold weather. It is natural to want to munch on junk and treats when we are cooped up inside. It also makes outdoor activity harder to accomplish.

Perhaps Santa left a Fitbit under your tree and you are still figuring out how to use it. Or you are using it everyday without fail to track your activity.  Either way, Baptist Health cardiologist Dr. Scott Davis has some new research with surprising results.