Beginner's Fitness Programs

Many Baby-Boomers are now in their golden age, enjoying the fruits of their labors. Unfortunately, now they have gained a bit more around the belly, the golf bag feels really heavy, and it is getting harder to finish 18 holes…

Men and women slowly lose their fitness level with age. Worse, according to a researcher at the University of Houston, this decline significantly accelerates, especially after age 45. It is a scary thing, because we can expect live another 40-50 years. This tendency is significantly accelerated in the US, where obesity problems and a sedentary lifestyle are widespread. We may live to be 100 years old, but we may need to be in a wheelchair with an oxygen tank attached.

However, if you are a non-smoker, have a healthy body weight, and have substantially higher levels of cardiovascular capacity, then you can push back this “45 great barrier” to a later point in your life.

Even if you are over 45 years old, don’t despair! According to an article which appeared in the journal of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, even people between the ages of 65 and 93 with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can improve their heart health after just three months of moderate physical activity (the study suggested 30 – 60 minutes per day).

One note: if you are a smoker, working out may help you to quit smoking. According to a Univeristy of Exeter study, even 5 – 15 minutes of brisk walking can reduce cravings and the response to smoking advertisement which could induce the craving to smoke. So start your cardio workout today; you may be able to quit smoking, and live a healthier, longer life!

source; Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (2009, December). Aerobic Exercise No Big Stretch For Older Adults But Helps Elasticity Of Arteries
Role of Lifestyle and Aging on the Longitudinal Change in Cardiorespiratory Fitness. Arch Intern Med, 2009; 169
University of Exeter (2009, October). Exercise Makes Cigarettes Less Attractive To Smokers.

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