Despite motivating numerous individuals to join the gym and start their fitness journey, it has been almost a herculean task to convince some of my close friends to do the same. So when one of my closest friends, Eric, whom I have known since high school called me recently to say he had finally signed up for his gym membership after years and years of urging, it was music to my ears.
I admit I was also surprised as Eric has not exercised since his basketball playing days about 20 years ago. And boy if Eric can start the gym, so can anyone. Numerous benefits are on the horizon for Eric and anyone who decides to start their fitness journey. It is never too late.
Everyone can and should do some form of exercise, even if they face severe limitations. Experts have designed specific exercises for seniors that are low-impact, safe and able to be done even from a sitting position if necessary.
A smartly designed exercise programme will benefit your body and mind in innumerable ways.
The benefits of exercise on mental health are well documented. For example, one major study found that sedentary people are 44% more likely to be depress-ed. Another found that those with mild to moderate depression could get similar results to those obtained through antidepressants just by exercising for 90 minutes each week. The key appears to be the release of brain chemi-cals such as serotonin and dopamine, which help lift mood and combat stress.
We’re all familiar with exercise’s ability to improve cardiovascular health. But how does exercise lower blood pressure? Interestingly, when you stimulate your circulatory system through aerobic exercise, you’re temporarily increasing your blood pressure by forcing the system to work harder—but when you’ve finished exercising, your blood pressure drops to a lower level than it was before you began.
Many people think of exercise as an integral part of weight loss—and, although diet is also extremely important, they’re not wrong. But what exercise burns the most calories? Generally, aerobic exercises (cardio) are great for expending calories and reducing fat. But don’t overlook the effectiveness of strength training, which optimizes your body’s ratio of lean muscle to fat. It’s also the best exercise for bone strength. There’s no Holy Grail when it comes to a single best weight-loss exercise. The best exercise to lose weight is the one you’ll do consistently. Whatever gets your heart rate up and gets your body moving—while having fun and staying motivated—is the exercise that will help you shed pounds.
If you have not started your fitness journey, take a page out of Eric’ s book. It is definitely not too late.
