Great! You've found a fitness center, or a program at your local senior center, or a workout you can do at home. Congratulations. You've taken the important first step of getting up off the couch, moving away from the TV, and exercising.
A Few Tips
First, if you have not exercised for a long time or if you know, or suspect, that you have health problems that might be made worse with exercise, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Most people are able to exercise, but if you have a condition such as diabetes or heart disease, your doctor might want to give you some special advice about managing your medications, etc.
Then, start slowly. Our muscles and bones can get stronger at any age, even in our 80's and 90's but, if you start out too hard, your tendons and ligaments -- the parts of your body that connect your muscles to your bones -- may complain. They complain by getting strained and sore. You can end up with what is called an "overuse" injury and you may need to rest for a few days or weeks. So take your time. You cannot make up for years of inactivity in a few days. Give your body time to adjust. Start slowly but keep at it.
You should generally do strength training 2 or 3 times a week. Give your body a rest
in-between your strength training days, but don't just sit on the couch on those other days, stay active. Take a walk, ride a bike, dig in the garden, clean the house, etc.
A Few Tips
First, if you have not exercised for a long time or if you know, or suspect, that you have health problems that might be made worse with exercise, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Most people are able to exercise, but if you have a condition such as diabetes or heart disease, your doctor might want to give you some special advice about managing your medications, etc.
Then, start slowly. Our muscles and bones can get stronger at any age, even in our 80's and 90's but, if you start out too hard, your tendons and ligaments -- the parts of your body that connect your muscles to your bones -- may complain. They complain by getting strained and sore. You can end up with what is called an "overuse" injury and you may need to rest for a few days or weeks. So take your time. You cannot make up for years of inactivity in a few days. Give your body time to adjust. Start slowly but keep at it.
You should generally do strength training 2 or 3 times a week. Give your body a rest
in-between your strength training days, but don't just sit on the couch on those other days, stay active. Take a walk, ride a bike, dig in the garden, clean the house, etc.