As you get older it is very important to maintain a good level of fitness. In this article we will show you different ways in which you can keep yourself in good shape. Apply the following advice on fitness to your every day life, so as you age, you can better adapt to the changes in your body.
Motivation is often a problem when people exercise, especially if you exercise alone. Find an audio version of a book that you really want to read and listen to it only when you exercise. Wanting to find out what happens next will motivate you to work out longer and more often.
A really good way to get fit is to start using free weights at the gym. A lot of people are intimidated by free weights and tend to stick to machines. Free weights are better than machines because they utilize more muscle fibers. Just make sure that you know how to properly perform lifts.
To exercise your calf muscles, try heel ups. All you have to do is stand up like normally. Then raise your body on the tips of your toes. Then slowly lower yourself back down. Repeat this 10 times for three sets. Doing this is similar to a pushup, but for your legs instead of your arms.
A great fitness tip is to strengthen your abs. To do this, you do not need to work them out every single day. Abs are like all the other muscles of the body. They need recovery time. Therefore, you should aim to train your abs around two or three times per week.
Try adding set-ups to your workout regimen for a stronger core. This type of exercise actually increases your range of motion and causes all of your core muscles to work harder for a longer period of time. Avoid doing them with anchored feet, though, as that can harm your back.
Before plunging right in the water and starting to swim, spend some time ducking your body, head included, in and out of the water. Breathe in while you’re on the surface and breathe out while you are under. This gives you time to acclimatize to the water and your swimming will enjoy the benefits.
Squeezing the muscles of your butt while lifting weights will help save your back. When you are lifting weights that cause you to lift over your head, make it a habit to squeeze your glutes. This will force your body into a position that will stabilize your spine automatically. A stable spine will lower your chance of back injuries.
When pursuing your fitness goals, you should aim to strengthen your back. Your back is one of the largest muscles in your upper body. You do not need to neglect working it out because if you do not, you are bound to injure it. Perform pullups and lat pulldowns to increase the strength of your back.
As was discussed in the beginning of this article, as you age your body will go through many changes. It is very important to understand that as we age it becomes harder to maintain your fitness level. Apply the advice from above, and you will live a life with a lot less aches and pains.