5 Myths About Exercise

Fact: You are never too old to start exercising. Exercising and Strength Training can help you feel younger and stay active longer. In fact, it can help lower the chances of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, etc. Starting a regular exercise routine can be tough, but as time goes on it gets easier and you are able to push yourself to do more.

Myth #2: Exercising as a senior is too rigorous; I should save my strength and rest.

Fact: Being inactive as a senior can cause more health problems rather than prevent them. Inactivity for seniors causes them to loose their independence. Oftentimes, it can result in an increase in doctor’s visits, illnesses, and more medicine.

Myth #3: Exercising increases the risk of injury; especially falling.

Fact: Balance exercises are some of the best exercises a senior can do. They help a senior to become more coordinated and less likely to fall. Regular exercise, by building strength and stamina, prevents loss of bone mass and improves balance, actually reducing your risk of falling. As long as any exercise is done properly, seniors should not worry about being injured.

Myth #4: I’m disabled. I cannot exercise sitting down.

Fact: Chair-bound people face special challenges, but it is important that you lift lightweights, stretch, and do chair aerobics to increase your range of motion and promote cardiovascular health.

Myth #5: Exercising as a senior can increase the pain of Arthritis.

Fact: While many people who experience arthritis are convinced that putting their joints through the paces will only result in making matters worse; however, the facts tell us something different. Individuals with arthritis who get regular exercise actually feel less joint pain than those who don’t exercise.