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| Keeping Your Exercise Program on Track |
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One of the most common goals among Americans, especially during the summer months, is to get in shape. Many may think that it is too late for them to start exercising, but no matter when you start, exercise improves health. Even people who start exercising later in life appear to gain many of the same benefits as people who have exercised their whole lives, according to research. And, physical activity throughout life can help protect against some cancers.
For breast and prostate cancer, exercise may help by regulating hormone levels. For colon cancer, physical activity stimulates movement through the bowel, reducing the length of time the bowel lining is exposed to harmful substances. Many people invest in exercise equipment but find it can be difficult to stick to an exercise program. Before that piece of equipment gets dusty, here are some tips to help keep you on track: Exercise for the health of it. Rather than working on developing a perfect body, focus on feeling better.
Make a decision for yourself and your well being that exercising will help your health. One step at a time. Begin your exercise program gradually. Don’t expect to run a marathon within a month. Exercise should not feel like punishment, so choose the type you are most likely to enjoy. If you try to do activities you dread, you are not likely to follow through. Begin with what is easiest for you.
- Set reasonable goals.
- Pace yourself.
- Be specific and choose variety.
- Incorporate fitness into your lifestyle.
- Motivate yourself.
- Get a support system.
- Expect setbacks and prepare for obstacles.
If you are a male older than 45 or a female older than 55 and have not been regularly active, or have any health concerns, consult your doctor before you begin an exercise program.
Regardless of your age, consult your doctor if you have two or more of the following risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, are a smoker or have a family history of early onset heart disease (first degree relative with heart disease before age 65 for female relatives, or before age 55 for male relatives).
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