HOW TO GET STARTED IN CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE

Cardiovascular exercise is like any exercise, which stimulates and works our Heart muscles. Exercise is good for us, whether it be walking, running, bending or stretching in the gym or in the privacy of our own homes. As we get older exercise can be hard to do, therefore any type of exercise is helpful. Everybody needs chores to be completed daily and the bending and stretching when pushing around a vacuum cleaner, is using a form of resistance as the vacum is pushed backwards and forwards. This is good exercise to tone up our arms and our legs. Mowing the lawn is another form of exercise which is good for us and uses resistance as does washing the kitchen floor. 

Resistance training is based on the principle that the muscles of your body work to overcome a force when required to do so. This means that a health benefit to using resistance could include muscle strength and tone, healthy weight and an increase in bone density and strength.

Physical activity or exercise can improve your health while reducing the risk of developing conditions or diseases including anxiety and depression. Physical activity can help you manage your weight and prevent or slow the development of osteoporosis, while it can also relieve stress and anxiety as it exercises our hearts making it beat harder and faster as it exerts a stronger push of blood around your body. This supplies organs of your body such as the heart, kidneys, lungs and liver with more oxygen to function more effectively which helps them perform better especially overtime. A healthy body is a happy body, and it helps to prevent the onset of disease which can be so debilitating.

Aerobic fitness is being physically fit. A fitter heart is good for us. A fit heart is one which works more efficient, pumping the blood forcefully around the aorta and body. A fit heart is one which isn’t sluggish. A sluggish heart is sluggish because the blood is being pushed around the body with little force. It is a problem that can cause heart attack and stroke because the arteries in our heart are becoming blocked. Yet not everybody is able to exercise in life.

For over 55's, joining an exercise group is rewarding and exciting, because it is good for our heart and makes us feel happy and content, while making new friends, with people doing what you enjoy. Learning something new is challenging and rewarding though, especially when the skill is achieved.

Getting a doctor's clearance is always a good idea, if you are going to exercise at the local gym.  

Gyms give out forms to be completed and a disclaimer form is signed. If anything goes wrong, they refuse to be held responsible.

A booking can be made for you to attend a trial class, with an enrollment form being filled out. Other services might include child minding and personal trainers. If you want some advice they can arrange a program for you, which is tailored made and personal to your needs written on the enrollment form. 

If this is the route chosen, then an assessment is undertaken.

Maintaining fluid electrolytes balance is necessary. As your body losses vital minerals such as sodium and potassium and magnesium it becomes necessary to replace this lost fluid with what has been depleted from your body during exercise. Minerals are an essential part of our diet. Our body uses electrolytes to regulate our nerve and muscle function and helps to maintain acid base and water balance.

These products are available to buy at the gym or local shop. Ask at the counter to see what available and which drinks is appropriate. Avoid drinks with too much sugar.

Arriving at the gym before time is necessary so you do not miss your class. This also enables you to relax while you are preparing for your class. If you disclose anything to the staff member, regarding your health, they could suggest that you need a clearance letter from your general practitioner. The school or exercise facility will not allow you to participate on their premises, if your health cannot be guaranteed. 

A towel is also a good idea to wipe the sweat off your face.

Accessories such as gloves can also be used in boxing exercises.

A drink flask or container is an essential item. Exercise of any description is tiring and loosing electrolytes during training should be replaced. If you plan on doing a heavy class or workout, I suggest you buy one at the premises before you begin. 

Keep your hair back off your face and wear supportive footwear such as runners.

If you have nowhere to leave the youngster, take them with you if the fitness center has a creche. Your children will also enjoy the activities and regular friends they see each time they go along.

Last of all, if the gym does not appeal to you then try another close to the location or do a fast walk or run with a friend on your own time when you can both relax.