Exercises are one of the must-do factors that help in keeping the body fit. It is a way to boost physical and mental fitness. Developing a regular exercise routine is very much important for a healthy way of life. By doing exercises regularly we can avoid many diseases and conditions which promote a healthy way of life.
As important as it seems, there are certain things we have to keep in mind before doing exercise. Then only we would get the desired results. For starters, there are different types of exercises. Strength and endurance are examples of two such exercise categories. What we need to learn is how to involve all forms in our regular exercise routine. The following article will introduce some of the major exercise categories and how it benefits our health.
Exercise categories
There are mainly four types of exercise; Strength, Endurance, Balance and flexibility.
Strength
 This category of exercise is for keeping healthy muscles. Muscular strength is concentrated in this category and it is greatly beneficial for older adults. People commonly use weights, stretch elastic bands and resistance bands to do strength exercises. This exercise category will make everyday activities easier and simpler, especially for the elderly. Muscle strength helps in gaining body balance and reduces the chances of falling and getting bones broken and injuries. It also makes the elderly to be independent, not depending on family to do their day-to-day activities. Resistance training and strength training are other names for strength exercises.
If you are only a beginner, then don’t over-exert yourself. Take things slowly and gradually increases the momentum of your strength exercises. If you do hard from the beginning itself, it may result in fatigue and other problems. Some of the important and common strength exercises are;
- Lifting weights
- Using a resistance band
- Arm curls
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises are also called aerobic exercises which are greatly beneficial in the increased and enhanced working of the heart and also help in improving breathing activity. Endurance exercises help in the healthy working of the heart, lungs and circulatory system. It also promotes the overall fitness of the individual. This exercise category will make your body more endurable which makes the day to day activities easier and simpler. Some of the common and easy endurance exercises are;
- Dancing
- Swimming
- Jogging
- Walking
- Biking
- Playing tennis
- Gardening
Flexibility exercises
This category of exercise is greatly important in increasing the flexibility of the body thereby making daily routines simpler and easily done. Flexibility exercises help in stretching the body and also will make the body stay limber. Freedom of movement is enhanced through flexibility exercises and makes our body more adapted to the exercises and activities. Range of motion, posture, deep breathing, and blood circulation will get enhanced through flexibility exercises. It also helps in decreasing the muscle tension caused by stress. Below are some examples of flexibility exercises;
- Yoga
- Shoulder and upper arm stretch
- The back stretch
- The inner thigh stretch
- The ankle stretch
- The back of the thigh stretch
Falling and getting injured is a common accident especially suffered by the elderly. The balance exercises enhance and maintain the balance of the body thereby preventing falls and loss of control of the body. It helps elderly people to do their activities without relying on anybody. The exercises of this category are mostly based on feet touching the ground. This group of exercises saves individuals from many injuries and also helps in the smooth functioning of our day to day routine. Some of the exercises of the balance category are;
- Heel-to-toe walking
- Standing on one foot
- Sitting down and standing up without using hands
- Tai Chi, also known as moving meditation
- The balanced walk
The above categories of exercise are greatly helpful in the smooth functioning of our life. It also promotes mental health. By following and including these exercises daily in your schedule, you are making a step forward toward a healthy way of life. But above all, before doing any exercise of your own, it is very much important to consult with your doctor and check whether it is appropriate for your current body health. If you are unsure about any exercise form or feeling any difficulties after doing a certain exercise, immediately go to your doctor and get expert advice.
