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By Monica Pantin |
New York, February 2002: Every January a lot of people start off the year by vowing that this will be the year that they will start and stick with an exercise program. Then sometime in February that resolve starts to dwindle and then as April arrives they throw in the towel and that's the end of exercise workouts.
If you want to reap the benefits of exercise, working out must become a priority in your daily life, just like brushing your teeth. Many people say that they do not have the time to exercise. Yes you do! If you can find the time to do the other things in your life such as getting your hair done,hanging out with your friends, or getting a manicure you can find the time to exercise.
If you are over the age of 40 (a baby boomer), getting older is not what it used to be, it's better. Sure you may have put on a few pounds because as you get older your metabolism slows down. Some of your clothes may not fit right anymore, you may be feeling aches and pains, and you may not have as much energy as you did in your twenties or thirties but research has shown that exercise is the magic pill to longevity. This is great news and many gyms are now catering to active older adults.
Remember, if you decide to make a commitment to exercise on a regular basis, the experts recommend exercising 3 to 4 times per week. You are doing this for you because you want to look and feel better.
Mental attitude is really what it's all about. There are always adjustments that can be made to make your exercise work for you no matter your age. I know that it is easier said than done especially if you have not exercised in a while. Here is a suggestion: find yourself a "workout buddy." This person could be your spouse or a friend.
Remember, consistency of an exercise program is key to getting and staying in shape. You and your workout buddy can keep each other motivated and connected to your workouts and together you can experience the fantastic benefits of working out.
Don't use age, weight, or physical ability as an excuse not to workout. The year 2002 is still young, spring is around the corner and before long summer will be here. So listed below are some of the benefits you can experience once you have committed to your exercise workouts:
· weight control
· better sex life
· greater strength
· stronger bones
· better flexibility
· stress control
· control of your life
· improved self-confidence
· greater energy
· better cardiovascular health