| Age is a state of mind, not a number, many people | | | | will help you stay with the program and not miss |
| believe. But to make this maxim hold true, we must do | | | | sessions due to other commitments or interruptions. |
| all within our power to stay healthy and keep our | | | | You may want to let family members and friends |
| bodies working as long and as efficiently as possible. | | | | know you will be unavailable during this time, say |
| One of the best things than anyone can do to maintain | | | | between 6 and 7 p.m., most days of the week. |
| good health is to follow a routine exercise plan, | | | | 3. Start slow. Choose easy, light exercise activity to |
| preferably one that includes 30 to 60 minutes of a | | | | ease into a new routine. Walking around the |
| daily workout. Ideally the program should be based on | | | | neighborhood or on a treadmill is a terrific activity. |
| both aerobic and weight training exercises. A | | | | Riding an exercise bike is another. You won't need |
| comprehensive workout tailored to your specific | | | | special clothes, either, except for comfortable tops and |
| physical needs and abilities can help you get in shape | | | | bottoms that will not restrict muscle movements. |
| and maintain a healthy body. Here are some tips to | | | | Swimming is another great way to have fun and burn |
| help you get started. | | | | calories while stretching muscles. Check your local |
| 1. Check with your doctor. Get a physical examination | | | | YMCA or health spa for information about open pool |
| to make sure your body is working as it should and | | | | hours or swim group programs. |
| able to support an exercise routine at this time. If you | | | | 4. Keep records. Write your starting weight, |
| have an underlying condition, like diabetes or asthma, | | | | measurements, time, and activities, along with your |
| ask your doctor whether exercise could impact these | | | | resting heart rate. Each week, record updated |
| conditions, and if so, what you should do to manage | | | | information as well as your peak heart rate during your |
| them. This is the time to report any new or changing | | | | workout. Make sure you don't exceed recommended |
| symptoms as well, so these can be evaluated and | | | | limits. If you stay with your program, you should begin |
| treated, if necessary, to bring them under control. Ask | | | | to see positive changes that will make you feel great, |
| your doctor to recommend an exercise program, or at | | | | mentally as well as physically. |
| least to set boundaries on what you should and should | | | | Continue to modify your exercise plan as you get |
| not attempt to do. | | | | older. In some cases you can increase activity as your |
| 2. Choose a regular time. Some experts believe that | | | | body gets in better shape. At other times you may |
| morning exercise brings the best results, but activity at | | | | need to decrease or adjust your rate of activity. |
| any type of day will help. Try to set aside a similar time | | | | Whatever happens, your sense of well being and your |
| slot each day so you can build a routine around it that | | | | overall physical health are sure to improve. |