Embracing Exercise: Keys to Healthy Aging Through Fitness
Whether you are 20, 30, 50, or 70, it is never “too early” or “too late” to take control of your personal
health. Making sure you have good physical and mental health will help you become the best version of
yourself and, in turn, make you a better parent, grandparent or caregiver for your child. September is
National Healthy Aging Month and the perfect time to making sure you are taking the time to add
exercise to your routine. Having the right approach to physical activity will not only extend your years
but also enhance your overall quality of life. Orangetheory Fitness, which has locations across the
Houston area, has some ways that exercise can help people age in a healthy, active, and fulfilling
manner.
1) Increasing HIIT Exercise Can Reduce Risk of Some Cancers:
Being a parent can take a physical and mental toll, especially when you have young children. Regular physical activity can improve
your cardiovascular fitness and endurance so you are better equipped to keep up with your kids’
active lifestyle. A recent study of 100,000 people with an average age of 62 showed that just 4
to 5 minutes of daily HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) can actually reduce some forms of
cancer!
a. Take Action: A formal HIIT workout isn’t needed to get those same benefits! Some of
the physical activity in the study involved increasing your heart-rate doing chores!
i. Grab those grocery bags and do a lap around the house before bringing them in
and putting them away.
ii. If you are going down the stairs, walk back up and down a couple more times to
get your heart rate up.
iii. Put your favorite music on while cleaning and turn vacuuming into a
dance party!
2) Reducing Stress:
Parenting can already be stressful, and as you age, there are other stresses that
impact your life like work, financial problem, and health concerns. Exercise is a proven stress
reducer. It triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Maintaining a
regular exercise routine can help you manage stress more effectively and help you have a
calmer and more patient demeanor around your children. This can lead to improved
communication and a more unified family environment.
a. Take Action: Add time to your calendar each day or week where you can take time for
yourself to get into an exercise routine. This is easier said than done, so start with 15
minutes a day. A lot can be done n that short amount of time!
i. A short walk around the neighborhood.
ii. Stretching and breathing exercises can be easy to do first thing in the morning
and you don’t even have to leave your bed!
iii. Grab a milk jug or fill an old one with water and do some squats and
curls in the kitchen.
3) Positive Role Modeling:
Parents play a crucial role in shaping the habits and attitudes towards
health and fitness by their kids. When you commit to regular exercise as you get older, you set a
positive example for your children. They will learn to view physical activity as a normal and
enjoyable part of daily life.
a. Taking Action: Setting an example doesn’t mean your exercise has to be separate from
your children or grandchildren. Find something that you all like to do together!
i. Take weekly walks or hikes together as a family that everyone can do.
ii. Create a different weekly challenge centered around who gets the most exercise
minutes or workouts.
iii. Are you excited football season is back? During halftime, go out in the
backyard and create your own game! If you have mobility problems when it
comes to walking or running, have everyone sit in different chairs and throw the
ball to each other.
National Healthy Aging Month is the perfect time to take a fresh look at how your lifestyle is setting you
up to live a long and healthy life. As parents and grandparents, keeping up with the kids is critical.
Regular physical activity will not only keep you healthy long-term, it can boost energy and reduce stress
so you have the ability to manage anything life throws your way!
Orangetheory Fitness is always there for your fitness needs. Mention you saw this article in Houston
Family Magazine at the studio closest to you and your first class is free!
