5 Fitness Myths You Shouldn’t Believe When You’re 50 and Older

Have you stopped your daily exercise just because you think you are too old for it? Most people have actually had. In fact, according to research, individuals aged 65 to 74 years are still exercising regularly.

More so, a lot of people, reports indicate, still assume that they are "too out-of-shape, or sick or too exhausted to exercise," but they are wrong.

According to the National Institute on Aging's Clinical Gerontology Branch chief, Chhanda Dutta, Ph.D., exercise is nearly always ideal for individuals regardless of their age.

In addition, it can make one stronger, avoid bone loss, and enhance balance and coordination. If you are one of the many, who doubt if they can still afford to work out at their age, hesitate no more.

Exercising can help lift your mood, enhance your memory, and reduce the symptoms of numerous chronic conditions.

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5 Workout Myths You Should Not Believe

Below are 5 of the most common workout myths that are hindering you from living a healthy and active life. These may be the same myths you're telling yourself as an excuse for not exercising.

1. "It's not safe to exercise at my age anymore as I might just break my hip"

Studies have shown that exercising can lessen your chances to fall and break your hip. Such a physical activity can help build "strength, balance, and agility.

Exercise types like "tai chi," for one, maybe particularly advantageous for the improvement of balance. If you are worried about osteoporosis, it is important to remember that exercising regularly will strengthen your bones.

2. "If I exercise, I might have a heart attack"

While working out, people having heart attacks is one of the most familiar stories told, resulting in fear of exercise among many individuals aged 50 and above. 

Indeed, it is possible but, experts say, "the many health advantages of exercise" go way beyond the minor risk. Being a couch potato is, in fact, is a lot more dangerous than being active physically. 

3. " I'll just hurt my joints if I exercise"

Exercising may indeed be hurtful, especially if you are suffering from chronic pain due to arthritis. However, according to studies, studies have proven that exercising contributes to the reduction of arthritis pain.

Another study of individuals who are over 60 years old and are suffering from knee arthritis, discovered that respondents who exercised more experienced less pain and improved function of joints.

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4. "The older I get, the more I should avoid pain so I won't exercise anymore"

According to Hillcrest Rehab Services' Paul Gardner, a PT, and GCS, there may indeed be certain types of pain an individual should avoid with exercise, especially as he gets older. 

Chest pain, Gardner added, is an obvious example. However, he continued, for one to achieve such "gains in strength and endurance," your muscles need to be overloaded.

As a consequence of overloading muscles, Gardner explained that at any age, muscle and, at times, minor aches and discomfort in joints are sore.

5. "I have chronic health problems so I should not exercise"

Health and fitness experts say that staying active is an ideal way to enhance chronic health problems. In addition, the research presents that exercise can lessen symptoms of almost all chronic health problems.

Furthermore, exercise might even lessen the need for some medicines. If you are suffering from any chronic health problem, seek advice from a doctor or physical therapist before starting a new exercise program.

After his diagnosis, a physical therapist develops a customized treatment plan that helps his patient improve mobility, cope with pain and other chronic illnesses, recover from specific injuries, and stop other future illnesses.

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