As you get older, the way in which you treat exercise is bound to change. Our bodies go through different processes, and you just don’t have the same energy at 40 as you do at 20. So, our routines need to be tinkered and tailored to adapt to our physical capabilities. Along the way, we’ll often seek advice from the internet and fitness fanatics to help us. We go to them for advice about how to enhance our workouts, but we don’t always get the information we need.
The reason for this is that there are a lot of myths about exercising as you get older. If you want to make sure you’re doing the right things, you need to know the difference between myths and facts. Let’s take a look at nine examples.
It’s Too Late To Start Now!
We’re constantly reminded of the need to exercise when we’re young, and we feel energetic enough to do so. When we get older, it’s easy to think that it’s too late to get started. We’re left with a feeling of regret about our past neglect, and we resign ourselves to a life of limitations. That doesn’t have to happen! It’s never too late to get started with an exercise routine. If you’re particularly inactive, you’ll be just fine as long as you start slowly. In time, you’ll notice the benefits.
You’re Bound To Gain Weight Anyway
When you’re young, it’s easy to avoid the symptoms of weight gain in many cases. The body can deal with what you’re throwing at it, but that changes as you hit middle age. Then, it can be an easy excuse that you’re going to gain weight anyway. But, even if weight loss is tough to achieve with exercise, it shouldn’t be the primary reason for it. You’re exercising to keep your body in top working order, and not to trim the pounds. Even if you do continue to gain weight, exercise will turn it into muscle over time.
Low Energy Is Guaranteed
You’re getting older, and that means you’re going to suffer from low energy. At least, that’s what you might be led to believe, leading to a lack of exercise on your part. In actual fact, it’s inactivity that often leads to a lesser amount of energy over time. It’s true that changes like a lowering of testosterone can contribute to energy loss, as noted at BuildtheMuscle. But, by doing the right things, you can ensure that a loss of energy doesn’t derail your exercise routine.
No Pain, No Gain
While this famous phrase might be true for some high-paid athletes, it shouldn’t go for everyone. As you get older, it’s less about what you do, and more about how much you do it. So, a long period of inactivity isn’t going to be wiped from the slate with a quick burst of 30-minute running. In fact, that might do more damage than help, as your body tries to adapt to work being forced upon it. Instead, focus on keeping yourself active as much as you can, and limiting the amount of time you sit on your behind.
It Puts You At Greater Risk Of A Fall
As old age nears, we start to worry about the idea of a fall. While in your twenties, a slip or trip is an annoyance, it can be a medical emergency for the elderly. This can lead to some people refusing to exercise whatsoever, preferring the safety of a comfy chair. It’s totally understandable, but it’s not a wise idea from a fitness perspective. In actuality, it’s probably more likely for you to fall because of your inactivity. As your bones and muscles grow weaker through inactivity, your ability to stay balanced will worsen.
There’s Just Not Enough Time
I don’t care what you do for a living; there’s always enough time! The key is making sure you make space in your busy schedule to exercise, even if it’s only for a short amount of time per day. As little as thirty minutes on a daily basis can make a massive difference to the average person. So, instead of sitting and watching an episode of The Simpsons for the thousandth time, get out there and go for a brisk walk.
Limitations Prevent You From Exercising
Alright, so there are some limitations you might have to seriously consider. A doctor’s advice is the most important of them all. But, in any other situation, you can find ways to stay active. You’re working 24/7? Invest in a mini-exercise bike for underneath your desk, for example. You could even look to standing desks instead of a sit-down alternative. If you’re disabled, you can still find ways to workout without the need for intense physical exercise. There’s so much technology out there that limitations shouldn’t need to prevent you from getting ahead.
Too Old To Exercise
There’s no such thing as being too old to exercise. Studies have regularly shown that slowing down to a halt in older age can reduce your lifespan dramatically. It also prevents you from doing the things you’ve become used to, such as climbing stairs or driving a car. Staying active is crucial in order to keep your health in top condition, and the excuse of being too old isn’t an acceptable one.
It Might Kill Me!
It’s true that exercising could kill you. It could bring on a heart condition that had gone undetected or even spark a heart attack in the moment. However, both of those instances are very rare and unlikely in the majority of us. It’s actually more detrimental to be inactive, which has a higher probability of killing you prematurely. As long as you follow the advice of your doctor and don’t overdo it, exercise is nothing but beneficial.
Just because you’re getting older, it doesn’t mean your life is on its last legs. If you work to keep yourself fit and healthy, there’s no reason why you can’t feel young all over again.