For Lifetime Fitness Fanatics
If you fall into this group, you are in the minority. You are robust, likely to be a “super-ager” and you are doing wonderfully. You are certainly optimizing your chance of living longer and aging successfully.Keep up the kettlebells, spin classes, rowing, triathlons, or manual work such as gardening—whatever you like to do. You can keep challenging yourself physically. Mix your routine up—a combination of aerobic and resistance work—as well as an activity to challenge your balance—is ideal.
But watch out for chronic overloading, that is, diversify your exercise program by incorporating cross-training. For example, if you are a runner, incorporate cycling or swimming to avoid overloading any part of your body.
For the Averagely Fit
You are doing well, so keep going. Long-term consistency is the key to benefits. You don’t necessarily have to join a gym, just keep building meaningful physical activity into your day. For example, walk briskly to the shops to get your groceries, keep up gardening, and be active around your house. Even repeating simple stair climbing is a great exercise.If you are suffering from hip or knee pain, walking may be painful, so try cycling or water-based exercise instead.
For the Unfit or Unwell
You may be managing complex chronic conditions, which makes it more difficult to exercise. Or it may be that exercise isn’t a habit for you. If you have several chronic conditions, you may need clearance from a doctor to exercise and specialized exercise advice from a physiotherapist or other exercise professional.Feeling a bit out of breath with exercise is normal and some initial aches and joint pain are fine. But if you ever feel chest pain or severe discomfort, you need to see a doctor straight away.
Just remember, whatever your state of health, it’s never too late to reap the benefits of being more physically active.