| A lot of people would like to begin exercising, but | | | | leisurely stroll around the block would be a good |
| are afraid that they're too old. But that's an | | | | goal for your first day. If you haven't been |
| unfounded fear, as long as you choose the right | | | | exercising at all for a while, trust me, that's plenty. |
| exercise. Now, there's no denying that if you're | | | | Once you've done that a few times, you'll want |
| 60, taking up power lifting is probably not a good | | | | to try to increase your distance. After a week or |
| idea. Fifty is probably a bit risky to take up speed | | | | two of a stroll around the block, you'll feel like you |
| skating, too. And if you're 75 or 80, you are well | | | | could go further with no problem. And that's your |
| advised not to begin running! But there's one | | | | signal. Let your body tell you when it's ready to |
| exercise that's suitable for all people, everywhere, | | | | move up. You could then shoot for two trips |
| no matter their age. And that's walking, the | | | | around the block, or if that's too much, go three |
| world's perfect exercise. | | | | quarters of the way and then turn around. The |
| Study after study has shown not only that | | | | important thing is not to bit off more than you |
| fitness walking is the ideal exercise for a long list | | | | can chew. You don't want walking to become a |
| of reasons, but also that it's safe for people in all | | | | chore, something that you have to do. You want |
| age groups. Additionally, not only is it safe for | | | | it to remain a pleasurable activity. Once you've |
| middle aged and elderly people to participate in, it | | | | increased your distance quite a bit, only then |
| also confers many health benefits, no matter | | | | should you think about increasing your speed. |
| your age. Generally speaking, no matter how old | | | | When you pick up the pace, you're getting into |
| you are, the more you walk for exercise on a | | | | fitness walking, which adds another set of health |
| regular basis, the healthier you will be (all things | | | | benefits to walking for exercise. |
| being equal of course). | | | | Of course, no matter your age, you should |
| There are some health conditions that rule out | | | | always consult your doctor before taking up any |
| walking, of course, such as being confined to a | | | | exercise. Odds are your doctor will not only give |
| wheelchair. But age isn't one of those condition. No | | | | you the OK to start walking, he or she will |
| matter if you're in your 60s, 70s, 80s or better, | | | | enthusiastically recommend it. Doctors are aware |
| you can be healthier than you are now by | | | | of all the studies showing the wonderful benefits |
| embarking on a walking program. And you don't | | | | walking provides, with low risk. So talk to your |
| have to go on long walks, or walk fast. In fact, in | | | | doctor, and don't worry about being "too old." |
| the beginning, if you're older, you should just walk | | | | You're never too old for walking! |
| as slow as you want, and don't go too far. A | | | | |