Staying Fit During Retirement

As you enter the age of retirement, it is important that you remain vigilant about your physical health. Some strength training and regular exercise preserves your heart health, increases your flexibility and lengthens your lifespan. Don’t worry, this does not mean you have to start running marathons. By just practicing regular activity every day you will maintain your flexibility, energy levels and quality of life. Retirement should not mean that you stay idle. Instead, it is a chance for you to focus on yourself, including your health. The following are some ways to stay active. 

Regular Activity Is Important 

Physical inactivity is one of the main reasons for heart failure later in life. Just 30 minutes of walking every day or on the treadmill can prevent cardiovascular disease. Get involved with the community by joining walking groups or signing up for age-appropriate classes at the gym. This decreases the likelihood of any future disability, too. Simple things like walking the dogs or gardening every day can also improve health and happiness. Experts recommend getting in at least 10,000 steps a day to stay active and healthy. 

Incorporate Strength Training 

Make sure to include strength training a few days a week. This is a chance to keep muscles strong so you don’t wilt away. Working on your muscles reduces the likelihood of a long-term injury. Use dumbbells at home or head to the gym for some resistance training. You can even use the dumbbells while watching television or sitting on your porch. Adding a little strength training does not have to be hard. In fact, just a few repetitions a day can have a huge impact on your long-term health. 

Make Exercise a Fun Social Event 

One of the best ways to stay committed to fitness is to include your family and friends. Walking groups are a popular way for people to stay connected with their friends while also increasing their activity levels. Going to the gym is easier when you sign up for classes and go with loved ones. Making exercise a social experience means you are more likely to stay on top of it. And of course, working out with people increases your motivation. 

Benefits of Regular Exercise after Retirement 

There are many benefits to regular fitness as you age. For example, not only will you reduce stress and increase energy levels, but your heart will be healthier too. This is a chance to improve your lung capacity and prevent some expensive healthcare issues later in life. Implementing regular activity into your life can be easy if you pick up healthy habits. 

AARPhas a number of studies that speak to the impact regular exercise can have as you age. This is a chance to live a full life even in your 60s and beyond. Including regular exercise into your life means that you can not only ward off heart disease but also things like diabetes and dementia. Healthy hobbies like gardening or even staying on top of chores will keep you active.

Dominic LoBianco is a guest contributor on behalf of OrangeTheory Fitness. Dominic has created multimedia content covering a wide range of different topics.

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