By: Anthony Campo
Chronological time and age are not necessarily related. We make decisions with our health every single day. The average person makes decisions that will slowly decline their health over time. If you are able to make positive decisions regarding your health, your chronological age does not need to cause a decline in health.
If you are someone who finds that daily activities have become more challenging as the years have gone by, then your decisions have most likely resulted in the following areas being affected over time.
Cardiovascular Conditioning –The cardiovascular system not being challenged appropriately over time will result in more frequent rest needed during activities. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness are just some symptoms of a cardiovascular system not functioning optimally.
*Solution – Make a point to challenge your cardiovascular system every single day through training and eating foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber.
Localized Conditioning – As muscles get weaker they have to work harder just to do the same activity. If you have not made a conscious effort to challenge yourself with resistance exercises over the years then it is inevitable that your strength will decline. Activities you once thought were easy might start becoming difficult.
*Solution – Emphasize getting stronger at resistance exercises 4-6 days a week.
Efficiency of Movement – Conditioning and strength are applied to help build coordination in functional movements. There is an optimal way to perform functional movements efficiently, however, if your conditioning and strength has declined then your mechanics and coordination will suffer. This will result in areas of the body having to work harder than they were meant to. This can lead to a decreased ability to perform daily activities and an increased chance of injury.
*Solution – Train compound movements that involve multiple muscle groups working together 3-5 times a week.