Exercise for the Long Haul

Whether you are young, middle aged or elderly and overweight, exercise needs to be something that you commit to for the long haul.   If you are one of the many that makes that New Year’s resolution to exercise, and loss weight only to be done with it all by February then maybe you went at it to much to fast and therefore unable to make it sustainable.  We have ALL been there and back again.

Start out slowly. Be realistic with yourself and decide what it is you can do in the beginning with attainable goals. Then once you have reached one goal you move on to the next.  You do need a plan though so that it is visible and keeps you on track at all times.  Here are just a few simple plans that you may follow to help you keep going:

1. This Walking Plan is just great for the beginner.  It will start you out slow and gradually get you to increase you level of activity.
2. This one is a personal favorite.  After I turned 55 I always wanted to run a race.  Not being much of a runner I had no where to start till I found this plan.  Since then I have run a 5K and had a blast.  The plan is Couch to 5K, they have other plans too so take a look.
3. Cycling or riding my bicycle.  People who cycle are pretty intense about what they do and it is hard to find a program centered for beginners and people that need to lose weight.  Cycling is one of the best forms of exercise for weight loss because of the low impact on joints.  This is especially important for older people that may have arthritis or other joint problems.  But I did find one plan that does address people of all ages and especially those that are trying to lose those extra pounds.  I have used this and I have found much pleasure with this plan, I am not one much for riding a bike you see.  The beginner cycling training program gives you the all that you will need to start changing up your exercise program and making it fun.
4. Another area of exercise that any age can participate in is swimming.  Nearly everyone swims and if you are older and have those achy joints this is for you.   I truly love lap swimming in the evening before dinner.  It is so relaxing and refreshing and when I get home a salad is about all I need, a shower and I Great Night of restful sleep.   If you are a beginner swimmer or don’t know how to swim, find out if there are Red Cross lessons that would be available to you.  If that is not available there are normally classes that are offered that are aerobics in the water, which is quite a good workout actually, or weight training in the water that is also great.  I did find this beginner swimming workout that may also be of some benefit to you.  It gives you some great tips on taking it slow and using kick boards for leg workouts and for helping out when tired.

These are just a few types of exercise that I recommend.  The reason I recommend these is that they are interchangable, and that is very important in your overall exercise plan.  This helps keep your new routine fresh and challenging without getting bored.  Once you become bored you begin to lack motivation and this is all about Exercise for the Long Haul.  Do keep in mind that anything is better than nothing and it is so fun to just try something different.