Getting back to regular exercise after retirement for men
Congratulations on Retiring!
So what now? Have you lived an active or inactive life or maybe you’ve fallen out of exercising within the last few years? Exercise after retirement is an excellent way to get active and healthy. Health problems and lifestyle disease, both physical and mental are sometimes exacerbated after retirement, for example;
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Depression
Frailty
However exercising is an excellent way to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle and the benefits are much more then just physical.
Benefits of exercise after retirement
There’s a plethora of benefits, a few include:
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Increases muscular endurance - muscles are better able to resist fatigue
Improve quality of sleep
Boosting mood which has a positive impact for stress
Boosting energy levels which transcends into all areas of life
Decreases sedentary behaviour
It can be meditating
Its fun!
Choose something that you find fun, you’re more likely to stick with it and you will see the mental benefits much more then if you are dreading a workout that you don’t like doing. Forget about trying to motivate yourself with workouts you dread or doing exercises you hear are great but that don’t feel right. Just do what you enjoy.
Don’t go overboard
Physical activity does not have to be strenuous. The level best suited for retired man is described as ‘moderate intensity’, practiced for at least 30 minutes on five or more days of every week. This should bring a little sweat to your brow and cause your heart to beat a little faster and your lungs to breathe deeper and faster, but not out of breath.
Activities could range from stretching, working in the garden or washing the car, to lifting weights and yoga. A combination of these could help improve strength, balance, flexibility and aerobic fitness.
Caution signs
Stop exercising if you develop any of the following:
Chest or upper abdominal pain that may spread to the neck, jaw, upper back, shoulder, and arms
Panting or extreme shortness of breath
Nausea
Persistent pain, joint discomfort, or muscle cramps.
If you are starting a new exercise routine, check with your GP first.
Here at Ballsbridge physiotherapy Clinic, Aileen MaGuire is our expert in Men’s Health. If you have any questions about getting back to exercising or have any concerns, contact the clinic today. We have trained physiotherapists ready to help you.