| When you begin an exercise program and you | | | | program over 40 reap the benefits of lower |
| are over 40 years old, then there are a couple of | | | | cholesterol, lower risk of heart attack, stroke, |
| details that you will need to address. First, see | | | | diabetes and high blood pressure. |
| your doctor to evaluate your ability to tolerate | | | | Studies have found that if you begin an exercise |
| the type of program you are planning. There are | | | | program in your mid-30's through 40's you are |
| times when a condition lies dormant or is | | | | more likely to be physically active after |
| sub-clinical, which means you don't know you have | | | | menopause than if you are sedentary as you |
| it and can silently do more damage when you | | | | reach menopause. Exercise after 40 is the best |
| engage in a vigorous exercise program. | | | | reason you'll live longer. |
| Secondly, you will need to address the 'clothing' | | | | The number one barrier that women cite for not |
| issue. Society is run by the youth and teens and | | | | beginning an exercise program is because of the |
| junior clothing is 'in' while women's clothing is | | | | lack of time. Unfortunately that may be due to |
| difficult to find or exposes too much skin to | | | | the belief that the program must be intense, hard |
| make us comfortable. Find clothing that is | | | | and grinding - something that leaves you spent |
| appropriate for the type of exercise, the place | | | | and aching the next day. Let's face it though - |
| and that you find comfortable. Clothing won't | | | | you aren't training for an Olympic event. You are |
| make you work out harder or a better athlete | | | | only working your body so that you can gain the |
| but if you are comfortable while working out you | | | | health benefits of a strong fit body. |
| may workout longer! | | | | You need as little as 30 minutes each day. When |
| Statistically more than 60% of women don't get | | | | you begin an exercise program over 40 don't get |
| the recommended amount of physical activity and | | | | hung up over the time or intensity. The most |
| there are one in four that aren't active at all. But | | | | important thing is to be consistent and flexible in |
| the benefits of exercise and physical activity are | | | | your approach. This isn't an all or nothing issue. |
| well documented. Women who begin an exercise | | | | |