As we get older, among the many things that happen to us is that our activity level decreases. We have a tendency to be more sedentary which contributes to joint stiffness, muscle weakness, mental sluggishness, and osteoporosis (brittle bones). Also we slowly change our muscle cells for fat cells. Since fat cells use less energy (less calories) than muscle cells, we gain weight (even if we eat the same). Gaining extra weight has its own disadvantages including higher cholesterol levels, heart disease, diabetes, poor posture, and back pain among others.
To reverse this trend, we need to start slowly increasing our activity levels. This doesn’t mean that you need to be able to run a marathon (of course if you can – you don’t need this article), but you do need to stay mobile and active. The more you can use your body, the better it will work and the better you will feel.
There are some simple ways to stay active and they don’t require any fancy or expensive equipment. The first way is to do some walking, an excellent weight bearing exercise for all ages. This could be simply walking out to the mailbox or around the grocery store for starters. Even a 5-minute walk several times a day will make a big difference in how you feel and look. Doing some simple arm and leg exercises while you are sitting down watching television will get your blood pumping and your muscles working.