Q & A

Exercise is essential as we age and a great antidote for fibromyalgia.  Building lean muscle will increase bone density to keep you and your bones strong as you age.  Start slow and safe.  Warm up first for at least 5 minutes and then slowly stretch out.  Use light weights and perform high reps for each exercise.  Perform each exercise twice, resting in between.  Make sure you also incorporate aerobic activity.  Sweat, sweat, and sweat!  Keep your muscles strong and hydrated and your body will reward you by toning up your flabby muscles.

Muscle soreness is usually felt 12-48 hours following exercise. This is particularly true when you have started a new exercise regimen or you have changed the intensity or duration of your workouts. I always say, “it’s your bodies way of letting you know it’s working! “

There is no one cure for treating soreness, but in my experience elevating your heart rate by doing some walking or stepping is the best way. This helps increase blood flow to the muscles to help them to relax. If the soreness is really bad, you can ice the effected area.

As we age we tend to slow down. Our joints are also feeling the effects of our busy lives. Strengthening the muscles around the joints are the best way to keep them healthy and prevent arthritis Elations with glucosamine and chondroitin is also proven to improve joint health.

Also exercise safe by warming up first, followed by gentle stretching. This will also assure your body is ready to work. Take the time to also cool down after your workout. Your body needs time to rest, heal and recover. Sleep is essential for recovery.

After a good nights sleep, we all tend to wake up stiff and tight all over.
Your body has been in the same position for about six hours. After your morning rituals, doing some sort of aerobic activity will wake your body up. This increases blood flow to loosen your muscles.

After, try a little bit of stretching. Try doing arm circles forwards and backwards slowly. This will help loosen the shoulder as well as increase flexibility

Weight lifting should always be a part of your routine at any age. Building lean muscle increases bone density. As we mature we naturally lose lean muscle and replace it with body fat. Weightlifting is the only way to prevent this.

A good routine should include 3 days a week of weight lifting. Aerobic activity should be performed 4-5 days a week; the good news is that you don’t have to spend hours in the gym. Break your routine up into 2 body parts per workout. This way you can virtually lift for about 30 minutes.