And everyone, including you, can get big health benefits, too — like a healthy heart and weight. The hard part is starting a program and sticking with it.
FIRST: TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. He or she can help you figure out your fitness level, any limitations and what activities are best for you.
START SLOW. Easing into an exercise program will make it less overwhelming. It can help you avoid injury, too.
SET GOALS. Try to lower your cholesterol. Or work off those last 10 pounds for your reunion. When you look at your progress, you’ll like seeing how far you’ve come.
MAKE IT FUN. Mix up your workouts. Pick activities you enjoy. And work out with a buddy if you can. It’ll help you stick with it.
WARM UP. A quick, brisk walk or some stretching keeps your blood flowing and your body flexible.
PUT IT ON THE CALENDAR. Scheduling exercise time is a great way to fit in fitness and “me time.”
Different types of exercise benefit your body in different ways. For the best health results, incorporate all of them into a workout routine:
CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE. By working your heart and lungs, you increase the supply of oxygen and energy in your body.
It’s an important part of an exercise program. You can walk, bike, swim, stair
climb or use an elliptical machine to get this type of benefit.
STRENGTH. This is when you put more strain than usual on your muscles and bones to make them stronger. To work on strength, try free weights or weight machines. Or even use your own body weight — chin-ups or push-ups, for instance.
MUSCLE ENDURANCE. Here, you help your muscles continue to work hard without rest. And you build what’s called “stamina.” Think of a baseball pitcher who throws the ball hard, over and over. Or a swimmer who goes for miles at a time.
FLEXIBILITY. This is when you help your muscles and joints get a full range of motion. In turn, this helps you avoid injury and even feel more comfortable after exercising. Stretching exercises and yoga are two ways to improve flexibility.
Source: Content from Aetna Inc.
Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of subsidiary companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna).
This message is for informational purposes only, is not medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a physician. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to www.trsactivecareaetna.com.
