Aging well...

[lis1]

Other than genetics, how can I ensure that I'll be fit and healthy as I get older (I'm 24)? I don't want to be someone who's totally inflexible, has no energy, can't do tough workouts, etc.

Does it just require the 3 basics (plus diet): stretching, cardio, and weights? Should I put an extra emphasis on yoga to keep flexible and toned? "Yogis" swear that it's so good for you inside and out. Or should I focus on weights to keep my metabolism and bone density up (I read that after 30 this is super important)?

If you had to pick one or two things that work, what would they be? I'd love to hear your opinions and stories!

 

[honeybunch]

I'd go with the cardio and the weights, and when you do both you ALWAYS want to incorporate some stretching.

I'm 52 and do everything at an advanced level. I see no reason to slow except to be smart about pains that may come up, but so far I've not been afflicted with many because I cross train.

You're smart to be concerned about lifetime fitness at your young age because you can set up good habits. One of the obvious is to watch your eating habits; another to steer clear of booze, smokes and stuff like that.

Prevention magazine is a good source for anyone, and it's easy to read.

Go ahead and investigate yoga and pilates just to see how you like it. If you do, you could maybe squeeze in a session of one of those forms of exercise once a week.

All that being said, your genetics really plays a huge role the picture. I have a 96 (97 in September) year old aunt who has had bad habits her whole life....horrible eating patterns, obesity, never exercised, negative attitude, etc, etc, but she's healthy as a horse and will live to be 107, I'm sure.


BUT, given that I have her genetics, too, PLUS good habits, I may make it to 108!!!!

 

[Aquajock]

Hi, Lis1! IMHO, your emphasis should be on weights, cardio, sound nutrition, and consistency! I totally agree with everything Honeybunch has said, and I try to practice it myself; I'll be 41 next month, and I'm what they call a recovering couch potato - totally unathletic and unconditioned in my teens and 20's but made up a lot of lost time in my '30's and now in my '40's.

Also IMHO flexibility training, while important, is over-emphasized these days; a little will go you a long way. Use it as a grace note at the end of your workouts, and again I agree with Honeybunch - stick in a yoga or Pilates workout here and there as a small part of your overall program.

Good for you for having the foresight to be thinking about these things in your 20's!

Annette

 

[Debra]

Here I go, always swimming against the tide - I think all three are important and essential to long-term health. But since you're young enough to build bone density (lucky dog) that should be a key component of your program. You can build bone density with weights of course, but weight bearing cardio & certain yoga & Pilates positions also work.

At 44, I find I have to work hardest at flexibility & balance. I was quite flexible as a 20 year old, wish I'd kept some yoga in my routine.

But bottom line, what goes in your mouth is probably the biggest factor in long term health. And never forget the sun block!

Debra

 

[Lynda]

I would recommend that you take a look at the most recent issue of Shape magazine. The have recommendations for 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, plus some very interesting information on the importance of squats,dead lifts, and lunges in weight training (specifically for hip bones and back), and plyometrics for younger women to increase bone density. I thought it was a valuable issue and plan to save it for future reference.