Why do you exercise? More importantly, why don’t you exercise? Maybe it’s hard to find time. Maybe you get bored easily. Maybe you are genetically blessed and think that you do not need to exercise. Hopefully after reading this, you will be more disciplined (and motivated) to exercise. After all, don’t you want to experience healthy aging?
 
1. Exercise should be as habitual as brushing your teeth. Whether you are a morning person or night owl, schedule time to exercise. Exercise increases bone density, boosts Vitamin D, helps with balance and coordination and can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s. According to a study published in May in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, Stephen M. Rao, a professor at the Schey Center for Cognitive Neuroimaging at the Cleveland Clinic, said “there’s good reason to tell people to exercise” to protect their memories.
 
2. To make exercise habitual, you need a positive attitude. If you complain about your flabby arms, then be proactive and do your push-ups. If toning up is an uphill battle, then stop wearing yoga pants, put on a pair of old jeans and exercise until they fit. If you talk down to yourself, then look in the mirror and believe that you can achieve. Research shows that positive thinking has health benefits like: increased life span, better stress management and physical well-being. Couple a positive attitude with regular exercise and enjoy healthy aging!
 
3. If there is history of diabetes, heart disease or suicide in your family, then start exercising today. Exercise can lower insulin resistance, reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your mood. If you want to live longer, then build muscle with strength training exercises. Muscle not only boosts your metabolism, it increases overall health and longevity! The Center of Disease Control (CDC) has found that strength training can reduce symptoms of many chronic diseases like diabetes, back pain, obesity, arthritis, osteoporosis, and depression.
 
Still not convinced to be disciplined to exercise? The CDC also released important facts about falls. One out of three people over the age of 65 experience a fall, which can result in head injuries and broken bones. Why are elderly people more likely to fall? Elderly people have difficulty with balance, Vitamin D deficiency and lower body weakness.

Even though you cannot turn back the clock, you can embrace healthy aging by becoming disciplined to exercise, having a positive attitude, and taking action so you can become strong.

P.S. What can you achieve when you are disciplined to exercise? A half marathon, in just 11-weeks! What do you want to achieve?

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com.