Why is exercise worth it?

One obstacle a lot of older adults face as they consider starting exercise programs is wondering whether or not is exercise worth it.

Wondering if putting in all the work at the possibility of getting stronger will even make a difference or said differently, “Is the juice worth the squeeze?”

Because it’s a lot of work. Especially if you’re not used to working out or have any background in working out. If you have health conditions that require you to take special considerations for exercise programs.

This is why I was excited to come across this article from Harvard Health Publishing. Those smart people over at Harvard have found that people at any age can increase their strength.

AT ANY AGE!

One of my favorite quotes from the Articles is, “If it’s been a long time since you’ve exercised and you’re feeling less than fit, you might think it’s too late to make a change, but you’re wrong, you can improve your Fitness at any age.” The article talks about the major deterrent for people to exercise is their own mental limitations. Their own doubts. Their own fears that they are too old and CAN’T.

It’s been my experience that people who have a goal and a purpose for why they want to improve their strength always do their best at starting and maintaining exercise programs.

Just like the example in the article about the gentleman who wanted to push his wheelchair down the hall to read his newspaper. Once he started a program and stuck with it he was able to progress to using a walker instead of a wheelchair.

Goals I’ve had people tell me are about an upcoming vacation that requires them to go up and down stairs, transfer from airplanes to trains to taxis, and carry luggage. We had one patient who wanted to carry luggage for his spouse.

We have another patient who wants to be able to keep up with his spouse because she’s starting to walk faster than he is and he doesn’t want to hold her back. Another patient wanted to be able to go to her grandkid’s sporting events to go up and down bleacher seats and sit and be present for their grandkid’s activities.

More recently we had someone say they want to be able to play golf right up until the day they die.

What I like about all these goals is they are an ambition for how they want to define their quality of life through retirement. So they can avoid the weaknesses and frailties of old age and remain independent.

The best time to get started was yesterday the second best time to get started is today.

If you want to get started on your Fitness Journey, join our Fitness Program now and stay active!

Read Our Blog: Benefits of Working Out at Home

Read Our Blog: How To Begin Your Fitness Journey

Watch our Youtube Video to learn more: Winter Wellness: Benefits of Staying Active

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Nick Hunter, PT, DPT

Owner at Preferred PT

Dr. Nick received an associates degree in sports medicine from ByU-Idaho he then attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science. Following BYU, he received his Doctorate of Physical therapy from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Dr, Nick’s greatest passion is seeing his patients recover from injury and return to their activities that bring them joy.

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