Two different reasons to exercise

Some of us exercise regularly with an occasional day off and some of us do more intense exercises on a schedule with specific rest days often without aerobics. We all exercise but usually for quite different reasons.

Just finished my last exercise for the day, 25 pushups!

The regular exercisers generally have a somewhat lighter routine with an occasional day off and may vary their types of exercises. The other group are usually those who are interested in strength training or appearance often with a concentration on certain muscle groups to achieve and maintain muscle mass. This group may alternate exercises and have rest days.

Age may have something to do with the reasons we exercise. In my case at soon to be 93 I’m only interested in maintaining my high level of fitness. I want to be able to live my life as I always have. So, I do regular exercises every day that may be considered ‘light’ by some but they include aerobics. Because of my age, just to be able to do them is so important to me. It tells me I’m okay, I’m moving, I’m fit!

Even small amounts of physical activity are better than none. I’m always glad to finish up my daily exercise routine. It’s very satisfying and leaves me with the feeling that I’ve done all I can today to keep myself fit and healthy!

When I was in my 60s and 70s my exercise program was much different even if I was only wanting to maintain my health and fitness. I’d probably be doing the occasional road race maybe even a half marathon. My last full marathon was age 57.

On the other hand, those who exercise for strength and to build muscle mass or to develop specific muscle groups have a different exercise routine that requires rest to allow muscles to heal and build.

I keep a daily record of each day's workout the old fashioned way!

There are pros and cons for both reasons to exercise. The light daily aerobic exercise makes your heart work harder and that improves your heart and circulatory system. along with weight control and the immune system, it’s easier on the joints, and there are even mental health benefits. This approach requires consistency and is easier to maintain over an entire lifetime.

High-intensity strength training and specialized exercises can be beneficial too, but requires careful planning, rest intervals, and gradual progression to minimize risks and ensure long term continuity and safety. This type of more intense exercise might combine higher-intensity efforts with lower-intensity, recovery activities. 

There are some amazing examples of how both types of exercising have been beneficial even life changing! Exercise is so important! Even small amounts of physical activity are better than none. I’m always glad to finish up my daily exercise routine. It’s very satisfying and leaves me with the feeling that I’ve done all I can today to keep myself fit and healthy!