The older we get, the more that staying in shape becomes an important part of our lives. It helps us maintain our independence, and of course, improves our overall quality of life since we’ll be more physically healthy.
Physical health means less chance of developing chronic diseases, and feeling better about ourselves in general. Yet, staying in shape over 70 isn’t as simple as it is in our 20s or 30s.
After all, we may have more physical limitations, not to mention some hormonal, bone, and muscle mass changes that make weight loss a little more challenging. The good news is that with the right approach, you can stay in shape and look fabulous well over 70 and beyond. Here are some of the best tips for staying in shape in your golden years
Low Impact
The key to avoiding injury is not rushing anything. Embrace low-impact exercises to reduce the amount of strain on your joints. Some low impact exercises include walking, swimming, and even yoga. These can make wonderful choices, as they’re incredibly gentle on the body but still maintain your overall fitness and enhance your mobility. Whether you enjoy working out in a group setting, or by yourself, these activities promise the opportunity to do it either way.
Don’t Forget Strength
Equally as important as your cardio workout is your strength workout. Your muscle mass starts to decline with age, so engaging in resistance training can slow down the process.
From light weights to resistance bands, try to incorporate more strength training into your workouts at least three times a week. Just make sure that your doctor is OK with it, as you may risk injury more than before if you are over a certain age. Your doctor will be able to determine whether they believe it’s safe for you or not.
Eat Well
As wonderful as it is to enjoy all of the delicious foods that life has to offer us, from junk foods to processed ones, these should be extremely limited in your diet. The more that you focus on nutritious and naturally derived ingredients in your meals, the more your body will thank you for it.
Remember, exercise alone isn’t enough to create the physique of your dreams. You need to eat a balanced diet full of all the right macro and micronutrients. From whole grains to lean proteins, to healthy fats, balance is key.
While you’re at it, don’t forget the importance of adding extra supplements to your diet. Even though the best source of vitamins is through food itself, taking some extra multivitamins is a great way to ensure you get the vitamin boost that you need. You’ll find yourself more energized, and also less likely to catch pesky illnesses.
