Life is full of mysteries. Why are yawns contagious? How come movie theater popcorn is so expensive? Why do fools fall in love?
Fortunately, life is also full of certainties. Here’s one: exercise is good for you. Regardless of your age and the intensity of your workout, it will improve your quality of life—assuming you go easy on that popcorn. Exercise and stretching can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve and retain mobility, and even improve immune system function.
At Brandermill Woods in Richmond, our residents can experience the benefits of exercise with daily fitness classes or with some time in our Wellness Center. You can even get a taste of those benefits right where you’re reading. Put down your screen and stretch out one of your limbs until you feel the tension in the muscles. Hold the position for 10 seconds or so. Now relax.
Feel a little better? That’s because stretching gets the blood flowing to your muscles and can help flush out the lactic acid that builds up while you rest. Whether you’re an MVP running back or someone with mobility issues, stretching is one of the building blocks of an effective workout.
Here are some specific tips for adding more exercise to your routine. And of course, be sure to consult your health professionals before starting any new exercise program.
Research shows that a successful exercise routine is one that has plenty of variety. Like a good diet, effective exercise regimens keep people interested and active so that they are able to stick to the plan.
The National Institute on Aging identifies four types of exercise that are important for any fitness plan:
If you’re deciding how to tread the path to good health without succumbing to boredom, try mixing in an activity from each type of exercise every single day.
For someone not used to regular exercise, these physical activity guidelines can be daunting: 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, plus a couple of sessions of muscle-strengthening. But don’t despair! Keep the following in mind:
Now for the biggest revelation: exercise can and should be fun! There’s a reason why, 15 years after its release, Nintendo’s Wii Sports video game remains a fixture at rehabilitation clinics and senior residential communities, including Brandermill Woods. What’s not to like about crushing your friends at bowling while getting a light workout—all without leaving the lounge?
From chair yoga to water aerobics, Brandermill Woods has an action-packed calendar of events designed to help you enjoy more, not less, independence and adventure in your retirement. Whether you’re golfing, learning how to dance, or hiking at a nearby park, Brandermill Woods can help you have fun while you exercise so that you can enjoy the benefits of independent living for years to come.