by Ann Major

Created on: April 23, 2010   Last Updated: June 12, 2010

Basically, many of us don't exercise because it is hard work.  Being complacent is more accommodating.  A couch potato much easier. For those of us who have discovered the benefits of exercise, we are reaping the benefits.

The Biggest Loser Show comes to mind when speaking of exercise.  Morbidly obese men and women are turned into super athletes through vigorous exercise and sensible dieting in a controlled environment; showing us that activity can turn one's bad health around and give us back the robustness of youth.  Losing weight can make you ten years younger, mentally and physically.

For an aging population, the worst thing to do is purchase a one story bungalow, on the anticipation that as one ages, one can no longer go up and down the stairs with ease.  On the contrary, to live in a house with a second story will keep one's body in shape. Going up and down the stairs daily, and as frequently as possible is a boon to keeping young.  Climbing the stairs is good cardiovascular activity and keepng the limbs strong and agile.

Strong limbs gives us youthful limberness, keep our bodies in balance and helping prevent serious injury should we fall. 

Good posture from exercise will help maintain bone alignment where less stress is placed on the spinal cord.   Regular exercise will help keep the skeletal frame erect and tall, as there is nothing more youthful than someone who holds himself/herself up proudly, as slouching and stooping is a sign of bad health and old age.  By climbing stairs frequently, keeps blood flowing as good circulation prevents joint inflammation and stiffness from disuse.

A youthful body is one which can carries on everyday duties without feeling unduly fatigued.  Exercise will give it the energy to perform.  Optimum energy makes one's day less stressful.  Exercise will ensure a better night's sleep and we all know how young we feel when we have had a good night's sleep.

So do engage in practicing yoga half an hour a day for relaxation, focus, lengthening and strengthening lean muscles.  Do work with small weights for strength training, burn body fat and giving definition to our arms and legs.  Nothing is more youthful than a toned body.  Low impact exercises will get the old heart pumping and help burn off excess calories consumed.  By all means, engage in sexual activity with a significant other, because according to Dr. Oz, sex three times a week will help keep you young. 

On a personal note, as my husband and I approach the big 60, we are trying to keep one step ahead of the aging process.  Since we are retired, we have the luxury of working an exercise routine into our daily lives where it can be as vigorous or as relaxing as we want to make it.  His goal is to lift heavy weights while mine is to extend my regimen to having more physical stamina time-wise.  When weather permits, we walk the mile and half round-trip to the mailbox to get our mail. 

In our efforts to stay healthy and active, we want to be the exception rather than the norm.  As my friend cheerily tells her family whenever she comes to visit,  she is going to the "land of the fit".

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