BOOMj Expert: Tips for Boomers to Stay Motivated

Updated on May 12th, 2008 @ 2:07pm
Source: Armand Tecco, M.Ed., CBLC

If, in January, you resolved to exercise regularly, have you stuck with your program? Fifty percent of people who start an exercise program drop out within the first six months. The most common reasons for quitting are time constraints and lack of motivation. Impatience is another; if something doesn't provide instant gratification, it loses its appeal with some people. Those are flimsy excuses, and here's why:

If your health is a top priority, you simply can't afford NOT to exercise. What's more, regular exercise will bring invaluable benefits in as little as six months. Let’s count a few …

One of the most practical benefits derived from an effective exercise program is the ability to do more activities and perform them with greater ease. Everything from mowing the lawn and playing ball to carrying groceries and climbing stairs becomes less taxing when you've been exercising regularly. 

Light exercise has been shown to be very effective as a mood enhancer and stress reliever (something we all could use). Aerobic exercise three times a week helps alleviate PMS symptoms. Moderate exercise helps you fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, and feel more rested in the morning.

Regular aerobic exercise helps arterial vessels retain their elasticity, which helps keeps your heart healthy. It lowers cholesterol (both bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides). And it helps prevent many cancers by increasing your immune system function and lowering hormone levels, which reduces the risk of abnormal cell growth.

Have you been pumping iron?  A vigorous weight training session burns up to 12 calories per minute, which is about what you burn during a brisk run. Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue so if you are trying to shed flab, it's a good idea to build some muscle mass. And because muscle weighs more than fat, don't worry so much about what the scale says. Instead, judge your progress by how you look and feel.

A well-balanced weight training routine that strengthens the major muscle groups increases bone density, which is especially important for boomer women, who are most at risk for osteoporosis. Furthermore, it enhances posture. (Do your routine three times per week followed by stretching exercises to promote flexibility.)

Exercise generally improves glucose tolerance, which is your body's ability to use glucose for energy as opposed to putting it in storage, perhaps as fat. That's one reason why exercisers are less likely to be overweight than a sedentary person.

Likewise, exercise raises your metabolism. The higher your metabolic rate, the less likely you are to gain weight because the body burns more calories even at rest.

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