The Case For Physical Activity

My Fitness My Ministry

Women tend to out live men by about eight years. But with this longer life is a trend of more dependence on someone else to complete activities of daily living. These simple tasks include but are not limited to standing from a couch, bed or chair, walking up or down stairs, dressing one's self and even personal hygiene. As we age, muscles tend to adapt more slowly to stress, but I encourage you to be physically active on most, if not all, days of the week. The dependence on others can be thoroughly reduced by participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity at least once a week.

Walking tends to be the preferred mode of physical activity by most Americans. However, studies show that walking only prevents the decline of your current muscle health but does not contribute to the building of new muscle tissue which is vital in the maintenance of independence as we age.

Osteoporosis affects one in four women over the age of 50. Weight bearing and strength training exercises help to build muscle tissue in the legs, hips and spine where this disease takes its toll on the people who have it. Osteoporosis in some premenopausal women, may be stopped or prevented by a healthy diet, not smoking, and physical activity.

An effective preventative strategy is to partake in regular physical activity. You only get one body in life, take care of it!

Bible verses to support exercise:
Romans 12:1
1 Corinthians 3:16 - 17
1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20
John 10:10

Information about the research used in this article can be found at:
Exercise for the older woman: choosing the right prescription
J E Taunton, A D Martin, E C Rhodes, L A Wolski, M Donelly, J Elliot

God Bless
Tausha
1 Corinthians 3:16-17