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It’s Never Too Late to Get Active
“At my age, it’s too late to get in shape!”
“Oh! But I’m way too old to start this activity!”
“This sport is for young people!”
How many times have I heard phrases similar to these in my career so far. Being too old is a popular excuse among adults, which is much more a mental barrier than a physical one.
Good news! Whether you’re active or sedentary, it is never too late to start a new physical or sports activity. You’ll get a lot of benefits starting from your very first session!
First, physical activity brings many physiological benefits, regardless of your age. Moving your body on a regular basis, in the medium and long term, allows you to:
- Prevent the occurrence of certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases;
- Reduce stress;
- Increase concentration and memory;
- Improve the quality of sleep.
In the shorter term, that is, in the hours following a moderate physical activity of at least 20 minutes, you will feel also feel positive benefits, thanks to the secretion of certain hormones. I am referring here to endorphins, dopamine and serotonin.
Endorphins have analgesic (pain-relief) effects that can be comparable to morphine. A feeling of well-being, pleasure and euphoria can be felt in the body when this hormone is secreted. Endorphins also significantly reduce stress and anxiety, increase immune system resistance and improve psychological health.
Dopamine is the hormone of pleasure and happiness, playing an important role in motivation (since it is linked to the brain’s reward system). Serotonin, on the other hand, stimulates mood and plays an important anti-depressant role in the brain.
You don’t have to wait years to reap the rewards of your efforts, it only takes 20 minutes to start feeling the effects of these hormones.
In adults, regular physical activity also has more specific benefits such as to:
- Increase bone strength and decrease the development of osteoporosis;
- Strengthen muscles and increase physical endurance;
- Increase balance and reduce the risk of falls;
- Help to stay independent longer;
- Support good cardiovascular health by decreasing high blood pressure;
- Promote social interactions and reduce isolation.
Studies have shown that these benefits can be felt even if you start physical activity at a very advanced age. It’s NEVER too late to start!
Before you begin, it’s important to talk with your doctor and consult your kinesiologist to help you with your new program. Your kinesiologist will assess your physical fitness, take into consideration your goals and develop a safe and appropriate plan for you. They will also help you to find activities that you enjoy, as it will be much easier to do them several times a week.
So what activity will you choose to add life and vitality to your years?
References
- http://www.iugm.qc.ca/sante-aines/infochute/chute-style/chute-style-activite.html
- https://teleassistance-libralerte.com/la/sport/
- https://www.quebec.ca/sante/conseils-et-prevention/saines-habitudes-de-vie/activite-physique/ameliorer-sa-sante-grace-a-lactivite-physique/
- https://www.usherbrooke.ca/reussir-en-sante/habitudes-de-vie/capsules-sante/le-stress-et-lendorphine/
- https://blog.cognifit.com/fr/quest-ce-que-la-dopamine/
Author
Kinesiology is defined as the use of muscle testing to identify imbalances in the body's structural energy. Kinesiologists undertake years of training to be able to help their clients maintain and regain physical fitness. Headed by the FKQ, kinesiologists write about rehabilitation, prevention and performance.
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