The Benefits Of Exercise At Every Age

No matter your age, you can take small, easy steps to improve your quality of life today. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying physically active has lasting effects on your heart health, mental health and overall longevity.

If you’ve ever felt too old to start something new, let Ernestine Shepherd be your inspiration. At almost 81 years old, she is the oldest competitive body builder in the world — but she didn’t start exercising until she was 56. She is living proof that age is just a number.

What can you do to improve your overall fitness?

Don’t worry; you don’t have to become a competitive bodybuilder to improve your quality of life. Here are a few easy things you can do today to start improving your physical and mental fitness:

Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet

Eating too much sugar can cause weight gain, abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and serves as a stepping stone to insulin resistance and diabetes.

Try different types of physical activities

Activities like hiking, walking, cycling, jogging or swimming may improve your cardiovascular health and increase your energy levels. Alternating between different types of physical activity is not only beneficial for your body; it helps keep your mind engaged as you look forward to something different each day.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise helps regulate your body’s sugar, fat and insulin levels, and strengthens your immune system and muscles. So head outside or to the gym for a regular dose of health.