Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding comments or myths that seniors everywhere have heard and many people believe. I would like to dispel these myths.

Question: I AM 69 YEARS OLD AND HAVE NOT EXERCISED IN A WHILE, AM I TOO OLD TO PARTIPATE IN YOUR PROGRAM?
Answer: Myth #1 says THE OLDER YOU GET, THE LESS EXERCISE YOU NEED. OLDER ADULTS SHOULD JUST TAKE IT EASY.
FACT: Research indicates that just the opposite is true, that being more physically active can prevent at least 50% of physical decline associated with aging. Seniors should do some sort of physical activity at least 30 minutes a day. It is true that medicine and science and better living habits, have added a whole new chapter to our lives. Medicine and science may prolong your life, but the quality of that longer life depends to a great extent on what you do yourself. In other words, you have control over how you age.

Question: AT MY AGE, 75, WON'T YOUR PROGRAM BE TOO HARD ON MY BODY?
Answer: MYTH #2 says EXERCISE TIRES YOU OUT, SO YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING ELSE.
FACT: Regular exercise actually gives you more energy, endurance and stamina to do whatever you want to do and enjoy your life with more passion and enthusiasm. This is what one of my students has to say: Dori - 65 I am able to do household and gardening chores with ease. Lifting grocery bags is effortless and they actually act as workout weights from store to parking lot. The group workouts provide fun and laughter with others my age that have a positive outlook and are striving to keep fit. A day without exercise is worse than a day without sunshine; we must have it to survive.

Question: CAN I PARTICIPATE IN YOUR COURSE IF I HAVE DIABETES?
Answer: MYTH #3 says EXERCISE IS BAD FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS SUCH AS ARTHRITIS, OSTEOPOROSIS, DIABETES, AND HEART DISEASE.
FACT: The right kind of exercise is beneficial for virtually every physical ailment. You heard Jim on the video speak of his Parkinson's and how exercise has helped him attain better flexibility and balance. Another one of my students Barbara, 70 has this to say "Control of blood sugar. Eliminated knee and hip pain. More alert, more energy, helps stabilize weight."

Question: I HAVE A VERY BUSY LIFE, WITH WORK AND FAMILY OBLIGATIONS, I DON'T HAVE ANY TIME TO EXERCISE, HOW CAN I FIT AN EXERCISE PROGRAM INTO MY SCHEDULE?
Answer: MYTH #4 says IN ORDER FOR EXERCISE TO DO YOU ANY GOOD, IT TAKES LARGE AMOUNTS OF TIME AND MONEY, AND IT HAS TO HURT.
FACT: Exercise that costs nothing, is easy and painless, and can fit easily into your daily schedule, in addition to having great health value. Only 30 minutes a day, 3x a week which can be accomplished in many different ways: Walking, gardening, bicycling, dancing, mopping or cleaning, swimming, golf, without a cart, playing with your grandkids, walking up and down the stairs.

EXERCISE HELPS WITH:

* Controlling weight
* Weight bearing exercise for preventing osteoporosis
* Relieving pain
* Reducing stress, anxiety, depression Improving the immune system
* Reducing the risk of many diseases
* Improving sleep

Bob, 64, says: "Upper body strength, less fatigue, sleep improved, more self-confidence, fellowship." Doris, 76, "My exercise program has given me more flexibility in my walking and daily activities. I find I am more alert and have more energy. Thank you Rene, for your help and encouragement."

FACT: By the age of 30-35 our bodies start to lose muscle and bone mass. This decline is gradual and we may not even notice. By the time we reach 70, if we have not been exercising we will lose half of our bone and muscle mass. It is more important than ever to engage in a physical exercise program - challenging ourselves to be the best that we can be, by participating in an exercise activity at least 3x times per week

FACT: Each year 340,000 people fall and break their hip, 40% are forced to enter nursing homes. Falls can have devastating outcomes, decreased mobility, decreased function and loss of independence. You can prevent this. You can make your years active and vibrant through just a few hours of correct physical activity and prevent injury from falls...

FACT: Only 12% of people 65 to 74 engage in enough resistance activity - about an hour 2x a week - to keep their muscles and bones strong. That number goes down to 10% for those 75 or older.

FACT: The prescription for achieving a healthy productive life is up to you.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE® TO START ON THE ROAD TO FITNESS AND HEALTH

It's Never Too Late®.