Getting in shape if you are older is really not a lot different than when you are younger. In fact exercise for older people is very important. You do cardio, you do weights, you eat right and you make sure that you rest between workouts. There are a few things that you have to be careful about though when you are an older person trying to get into better shape.

1. Check with your doctor first - as we get older we start to get those new aches, pains and health problems that older people may have to concern themselves with. Before you begin an exercise program, always have your doctor check you out and make sure that you are healthy enough for the exercise that you are planning to do. If not perhaps you just need to do more moderate physical activity. Remember, if you are moving you are getting healthier

2. Stick to low impact exercise - Some sports are just asking for trouble, many people in their 60s or 70s are still running but if you have knee or hip problems then it is better just to say no and ride a bike or walk instead. If on the other hand your joints are strong enough then why bother acting old, be young and run.  Another important thing to do is some weight workouts as they are the best way to raise testosterone in males and to increase the muscle mass that naturally drops as we get older?  Ladies, you will not bulk up, but it is very important that you also do some strength training.

3. Rest more after your workouts - Make sure that you are getting adequate rest.  As we get older we have a lower testosterone level and a longer recovery time, remember that you need to let your muscles heal between workouts and sleep as well is a very important part of making sure that you are healing well between those workouts.

4. Make weights a priority over cardio - As I mentioned earlier it is important to strength train as you get older to make sure that you do not lose too much muscle mass.  As we have seen with our own parents it is not age that gets most people unhealthy but instead it is the wasting away as our bodies start to lose muscle.  Any local gym will have a workout program aimed at people over 50 or 60 that will not only build muscle but also make you healthier.

These are a few ways that an older person can make sure that they are doing the right thing as far as exercise is concerned. There are a lot of things that we don't do as we get older but to make sure that you are healthy it is very important to work out and stay in shape to make sure that your quality of life is as good as it can be.

If you need help please don’t hesitate to contact me.