June is Men's Health Month, making it a great time to put men in the spotlight, along with how important it is to get moving. Often, men over 50 have pushed aside the idea of being physically active, but they do so at the risk of their health. There are some great reasons why men over 50 should prioritize being more physically active.
"Even if you are over 50 and have never been physically active, you can still benefit by getting started now," explains Jennifer Scherer, a registered dietitian nutritionist, medical exercise specialist, certified personal trainer, and owner of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio. “It is never too late to start a healthy path and reap the rewards."
There are some excellent reasons to put men's health in the spotlight. According to research published in the Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, men are more vulnerable to major life-threatening chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, emphysema, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and atherosclerosis.
Exercising and being active is not only for the young. It is essential to keep active as one ages. According to the National Institutes of Health, being physically active can improve strength, reduce fatigue, manage and prevent some diseases, reduce stress and anxiety levels, and help maintain a healthy weight, among other benefits.
Here are 5 additional reasons why men over 50 need to get moving more:
Balance. Being more physically active can improve balance. As people age, falling becomes a significant risk factor. One fall can change someone's life, leaving them unable to be independent and could lead to serious health issues. Including exercises that help improve balance can go a long way toward allowing someone to age independently and reduce the risks of falls. Consider doing Pilates, which can help with balance.
Sleep better. Good sleep is important to one's health, and exercise can help improve it. Published research in the journal, Cureus reports that regular physical activity can improve sleep quality and symptoms of sleep disorders. The authors also report that sleep promotes memory consolidation and learning while allowing the body to recover and restore itself.
Improve cognition. Being physically active can help people think better. The CDC reports that regular physical activity is good for the brain and helps people think, learn, problem-solve, and have a better emotional balance. It can also reduce risks of cognitive decline as people age. They report that dementia, for example, is twice as common in those who are inactive.
Control blood pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise offers a drug-free way to help lower blood pressure. Inactivity can lead to higher blood pressure, but getting moving more can make a big difference. Regular exercise strengthens the heart, easing the burden of pumping blood, thus reducing blood pressure.
Be happier. Engaging in regular exercise makes people happier. According to research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, physical activity is significantly related to life satisfaction and happiness in young, middle-aged, and older adults. Additionally, they report that life satisfaction and happiness increase with aging in those who exercise.
“There are many good reasons to start making being physically active a priority,” added Scherer. “We can help tailor the process to you and help you meet goals. You don't have to try to start doing this on your own. That's what we are here for."
Fredericksburg Fitness Studio offers a reformer Pilates fitness training program, a fun and unique exercise method with many benefits. The reformer can be done sitting, standing, or lying down, which gives a great workout. The program helps with strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, core control, and more. To get more information about the reformer Pilates program, visit the site: https://www.fburgfitness.com/pilates-reformer
