Discovering the importance of exercise for retirees
I recently spoke with someone who has, for a number of reasons, not been doing any exercise for several months. She works at a job that keeps her in a chair all day. In addition, she has both fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. She is in a certain amount of pain all the time; and her pain is more intense at other times.
She recently told me she has started swimming every day. She is being very sensible and starting slowly and swimming longer as she builds strength and endurance. She is also now able to do exercises in the water, which provides the needed movement and exercise without the pain and risk of damage to joints from the impact of a number of other types of exercise.
As one who exercises daily, I was thrilled to hear her talk about how much better she feels because of the exercise. She said her new regimen makes her feel better generally, but it is also relaxing muscles, building strength and loosening joints. I’m just delighted to hear her say she is feeling so much better! But I’m also thrilled that she now has access to a pool in which she can swim and exercise.
All of this makes me wonder how many retirees don’t exercise because they have injuries or conditions that require zero-impact exercise and don’t have a place to get exercise at a cost that is within their budget? So I’d like to hear from you about your experience and your thoughts.
Are you able to find an affordable place to get the kind of exercise recommended by your physician?
Do you see the need for regular exercise?
How does your exercise program make you feel?
What have you discovered about the importance of exercise in your own life?
Please note: you should not start any regular or intensive exercise program without consulting your physician and knowing which kinds of exercise are best for you.