Just because you are getting up in years doesn’t mean you have to stay away from the gym. In fact, keeping your body strong and lifting weights is great for your body and to prevent disease and injuries. Not only does it build more muscle and a stronger physique, but it helps to increase bone density and mental focus.
There are, however, precautions that one should take when they embark on a weight lifting program to keep from causing any problems. Here are a few things to remember before pumping iron.
Talk to Your Doctor First
Depending on your age, lifestyle, and current conditions, you may or may not be able to take part in certain types of physical activity. Your doctor can tell you what to steer clear of and what types of exercise you should be focusing on to improve your fitness level and health safely.
Have a Plan and Start Slow
Don’t jump into your workouts without some planning and forethought. Your body has to adjust to this new strain. Start with smaller bouts of physical activity and progressively add to it as you start to feel stronger. Research into new ways to exercise that sound like fun to you. Try to tailor your exercise to your own individual needs.
Be Consistent
It is better to do a little physical activity every day than to do a rigorous hour long workout once a week. Be more consistent with your workouts to make it work to your benefit.
Include Cardio and Strength Training
Cardiovascular exercise has many benefits as does strength training. Including both types of exercise into your schedule will give you the most health and disease fighting power.
Be a Technique Perfectionist
Each move has the correct way to perform it in order to engage the correct muscle group and not cause injury. You should focus on form each time. It is better to do less repetitions of an exercise correctly than do a lot incorrectly and risk injury or get no benefit from it.
