Fitness At Any Age: No More Excuses

Have You Been Putting Off Getting Fit?

Now is the time to start focusing on ways to be healthy and stop worrying about getting older. Even if you haven't thought about exercising in the past, the time is now to consider a fitness routine. The benefits of exercise and fitness are supported by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

According to the HealthyPeople.gov, an agency connected to the US Department of Human Services, 80% of adults do not meet the basic guidelines for exercise and muscle strengthening. The Center on Aging supports these findings.

It's important to realize that even if you have neglected your fitness activities, it's not too late to start.

Here are some stories of women who are defying the aging process by incorporating fitness into their lives. Their stories will inspire you with a “can do" attitude.

Looking At Aging Differently: A Dramatic Shift

Recent studies indicate that the focus on fitness is changing. This shift is changing the landscape of how we look at health and wellness. We have grown accustomed to the mantra that 40 is the new 20. Recently we are hearing a new mantra -- that 70 is the new 50. Examples of health at any age are appearing in health magazines and the media.

Take, for example, Ernestine Shepard, who at 78 years old is the world's oldest female body builder in the United States. Ernestine began working out in her mid-fifties. Other examples of aging gracefully are Daphne Selfe, who at 86 years old is the oldest runway model. Meet Betty Jean McHugh, who at 85 years old took the record for oldest marathoner in 2005. These women believe that you can remain fit at any age.

Your age should never hinder you from accomplishing your goals.

-Ernestine Shepard

Let's explore some basics as you begin your journey

Are you ready?

Health & Fitness: The Basics

First find an exercise that you will stick with. Research indicates that even walking 10 minutes a day is a positive step.

Drink plenty of water. When we hydrate our bodies, they work better. It is often said that feelings of hunger may more likely be due to the body being dehydrated.

Increase your diet with fresh fruits and veggies. Give the body what it needs to do its best job.

Always get adequate sleep. Sleep is essential for a healthy mind and body.

Positive thoughts and emotions pave the road to fitness success.

Age is Only a Number

Live by the mantra that age is just a number, and youth is a state of mind.

The time is now to focus on fitness; you deserve it and your body will love you for it.

Let's put age aside, live life with more vitality, and decrease our chances of developing chronic diseases. Aging gracefully is within our reach; we just need to take those first few steps!

Your journey towards a healthier and fitter YOU, starts now!

Show me how to get started now!