Our aging years may be the most important time in our lives to be exercising on a regular basis.

You may have heard the saying, "I have fallen and I can't get up"! That is exactly what happens with inactivity. There is a terrible feeling of vulnerability for the individual that experiences this lack of muscular control. The result is fear of their own body.

No matter what your age you can improve your muscular strength, endurance, coordination, and flexibility. These assist us in maintaining our vitality and independence. If you are 101 years old and start a program designed just for you there will be an improvement in your level of fitness.

THAT'S FANTASTIC!

ACTIVITY ADDS LIFE TO YOUR YEARS AS WELL AS YEARS TO YOUR LIFE!

With activity we can remain physically, emotionally, and intellectually keen. Notice the difference in attitude of the person who stays inside watching television compared to others that are out, and involved in some form of regular exercise.

Quite often, you will discover that the inactive are depressed, feeling every ache and pain, and in general feel they have a poor existence in life.

The active have a more positive outlook on life and are more likely to be involved in community projects, clubs, or groups.

A sedentary lifestyle guarantees a body that does not perform to its capacity, the increased risk of heart disease and obesity, poor lung capacity, decreased energy, compromised mobility and range of motion. The list of negative impacts on the human body is so large that one has to wonder why so many people still continue to choose an inactive lifestyle.

Unfortunately, many people view the aging process as a dreary one where they will be faced with medical and physical limitations, become frail, lose control of normal body functions and in general envision themselves spending most of their time frequenting the doctor's office or hospital. You don't have to live out your later years this way if you adopt an appropriate lifestyle that includes regular exercise and good nutrition.

Remember we are what we eat but added to that we are what we think. If you have decided that you are old and need to be babied, you will most certainly feel and look that way. What a waste of time! Not only do you cheat yourself out of positive and productive years, you could very easily shorten your life. Friends feel alienated as they listen to constant complaining so they stay away. Becoming active will improve your entire outlook on life! A strong body and positive Frame of Mind is your introduction to the fountain of youth. Jump in, feel renewed and experience the feeling of optimism once again. Life is just beginning! Grab it and hold on tight!

As a personal trainer and fitness instructor I am witness to some very amazing changes in my client's health, strength and overall outlook on life as they become involved in a fitness program. Some examples are more energy, clearer complexion, bright and shiny eyes, improved body functions, stronger heart, and the ability to climb a flight of stairs without being out of breath. The list goes on and on.

A client said to me recently, "You know Ellen, since I have started working with you I have actually started whistling. It has been so long since I have actually whistled. I don't even remember when I stopped!"

Another said, "The strangest thing happened to me the other day. I laughed right out loud. It was a real belly laugh. I shocked myself because I realized that I had been depressed for a very long time and was accustomed to feeling that way. Since I have started exercising with you on a regular basis, my entire thought pattern has changed!" These are very wonderful and yet common changes that occur as people start to take control of their bodies and begin an exciting new journey in time. Their way of thinking about themselves and life around them changes to the positive and their physical being follows in the same way.

Many seniors hesitate to start working out because of fear of possible injury or perhaps they already have stiffness and general discomfort throughout their body. Quite often I find that some have had negative experiences in previous classes or feel embarrassed about their appearance. These are very genuine concerns and must be treated with respect, understanding and used as a viable source of information to prescribe appropriate exercises for them.

I get so excited when I talk about fitness programs! I see living proof each day that it can make a fabulous difference in the quality of life of any person who chooses to become involved. The ripple effect extends to anyone that comes in contact with them.

If you have a serious illness and/or physical challenges, you may be saying to yourself, "what a load of bunk!". If this is the case and you have a doctor's clearance to enter into a specifically designed exercise program just for you, I guarantee, the same benefits as listed above will become realized. See more about this in the section for fitness and the physically challenged.

Take good care of your mind, body and soul. It is an absolute treasure that you have been given. Nurture, love and feed it with positive thoughts and feelings. Help the people around you. Feed your body with wholesome food, it will reward you! Move your body and it will carry you through life more easily. Believe in yourself and others. You will be rewarded in ways you can't imagine.

I believe in you!