Everyone has considered finishing a marathon at some point in their lives. After all, watching those runners cross the finish line invokes a sense of achievement that many people desire in their lives. Old age should not stop you from pursuing your running dreams. Whether you are 20 or 80, the hardest part of running is to get that first step out the door.
To further encourage and support you in your journey to start running, we have compiled a list of simple tips that can help!
Ensure Adequate Rest
It might seem odd that our first tip is to have adequate rest, but sleep is actually crucial for you to be in your best physical condition. On top of this, choosing to give your body enough recovery time during and after each of your running sessions is important for keeping the sport sustainable for you. Especially if you are running again after a long hiatus, it is important that you slowly increase the intensity instead of immediately pushing your body to its maximum capacity.
Set Realistic Goals
An important part of getting better at running is to set realistic goals for yourself. You can choose either to measure your achievements by duration or distance. Monitor how you do each time as well as your physical condition during the run to get a better gauge of how your body is functioning and what works best for you.
Maintain Flexibility and Strength
As people grow older, muscle mass and flexibility start to decline. However, research has shown that it is still possible to slow down the degeneration and have muscle growth even in old age. It is important that as you start running, you also incorporate other stability and strength training to help reduce your risk of injuries and also boost your ability to carry out optimal running techniques.
Watch the Diet
After each run, you must support your body’s recovery by eating nutritious meals. If you are starting to run more regularly, you must adjust your caloric count accordingly and eat balanced meals. On top of this, you must stay hydrated at all times.
Stay Active with Health and Fitness Programs at Discovery Village At Stuart
Here at Discovery Village At Stuart, we believe that staying active is crucial for anyone to live a fulfilling life. This is especially important for older adults, where maintaining an active lifestyle can contribute to better physical and mental wellbeing. This is why we introduced Dimensions Health & Fitness in our senior living community.
Under the program, all our residents have the opportunity to join senior-centric activities that foster a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. Whether it is waking up to an inspiring yoga session at dawn or an interactive Zumba lesson, many different options are accessible right in your own home at Discovery Village.
For more information on our different wellness and fitness programs or our senior living options, contact us today by filling in this online form or by calling us at 772.362.9204.
