Getting Started

by Betty Mitchell RN BSN
Parish Nurse, Emmanuel Bethel Church, Royal Oak, Michigan

There is a lot of information in the media encouraging us to be active, but not much on how to get started.

Consider joining an intructor-led group exercising program in your community. The type of class you select is not as important as being active. Dance, core conditioning, Pilates, line dancing and kickboxing are some examples of classes that might be available in your community.

Generally you will be able to find different levels of workout, from beginner to advanced. Showing up and participating is important. Once you have blocked off the time for a group exercise class it becomes easier to find the time to get active.

A group class not only provides activity for you, but becomes a social and fun time with a safe workout. There will also be accountability with the group for keeping up with the program.

Some things to consider when you begin to exercise is how you are strengthening your muscles to make it easier to carry a laundry basket, increasing your endurance to make it easier to push grandchildren on a swing, improving your balance to be able to stand on tip toe and increasing your flexibility to look over your shoulder as you back out of the driveway. All of these activities will help you maintaining your independence.

There are many health benefits you will gain from exercise of any kind that far outweigh the risks of getting hurt if you begin slowly and talk to your doctor before getting started.

Source: http://www.acsm.org/access-public-information/articles/2012/01/20/benefits-of-group-exercise; www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/health; http://go4life.nia.nih.gov/exercises

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. 1 Corinthians 9:27a (NLT)