Rx for exercise | exercise, age, strength - The Orange County Register

From baby boomers to Gen Xers, exercise is a key ingredient of a healthy lifestyle. But as we age, our exercise needs ? and our bodies ? change. As an orthopedic surgeon at St. Joseph Hospital, my advice is to follow these tips to help you stay fit and healthy

during each stage of your life:

Dr. Eric Lee is an orthopedic surgeon at St. Joseph Hospital.

COURTESY ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL

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Form lifelong habits: When you're in your 20s, fitness goals might focus on looking good, but it's time to look ahead and make exercise a lifelong habit. Find a routine that enhances strength, endurance and flexibility. Remember, your workout can do more for you than get you into your jeans; it can also help you lift your children, have more energy for work and stave off age-related diseases.

Focus on strength: Strength levels naturally start to decline after age 30. You can stay strong by adding a strength-training component, such as weight training, to your exercise routine. This can also fend off age-related aches such as lower back pain.

Rev up your metabolism: As you age, your metabolism slows down. That's why it's much harder to burn off those french fries in your 40s than it was in your 20s. Counteract this by mixing more intense bouts of exercise with rest periods to burn off more calories.

Break it up: Get at least 45 minutes of regular exercise at least three times a week. You don't have to do it all at once. Research shows that three 15-minute sessions per day can be as effective as one long workout.

Special note to baby boomers: Check with a doctor before starting a new workout, but exercise is a great way to manage age-related illness like heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

For more information on how to stay fit (at any age), or to contact a physician to see what exercise regimen is right for you, visit sjo.org/orthopedics.

Source: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/exercise-497954-age-strength.html

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