Spring Into Exercise

Spring is the perfect time to increase your activity level after a long, sedentary winter.  Regular exercise is the most important thing that you can do to delay the aging process and remain healthy.

The benefits of exercise are not just limited to improving your heart and lung function.  Exercise also helps to protect against diabetes, prevent osteoporosis, control blood pressure, maintain normal weight, decrease cholesterol, improve brain health, improve balance and strength, minimize falls, ward off depression and anxiety, decrease the pain of osteoarthritis, and decrease the risk of certain cancers.

A good exercise program should include the following components. 

• Stretching, which helps to increase blood flow and to get your body ready for exercise.
• Aerobic exercise, which improves cardiovascular health and muscle tone
• Resistance exercise or weight training, which improves muscle flexibility and strength

Individuals should talk to their doctor before initiating a vigorous exercise program, especially if you are an older adult or someone who has led a very sedentary lifestyle.  If you are recovering from an illness, surgery, or injury, it might be necessary to receive physical or occupational therapy before resuming an active lifestyle.  The therapists at Mount St. Joseph Rehab Center are available to help.  Call 216-531-7426 with any questions.