Page 202 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

186 • Chapter 6

4. Work a little harder.
When your workout gets to be 30 minutes long, exer-
cise a little harder for a few minutes during each work-
out. You’ll get more fit in the same amount of time!

5. Work out a little more often.
After you’re comfortable exercising three times a week
for 30 to 60 minutes each time, you could increase the
number of days. Choose the same or a different activ-
ity on alternate days. Follow “beginner’s” rules: Start
gently, increase slowly.
6. Cross train.
Develop more than one activity so you don’t over-
use one set of muscles and cause pain or an injury,
and so you don’t get bored. Learn a different activ-
ity, or learn a sport for each season of the year. Ice
skate in winter. Roller blade in summer.

7. Have a foul weather plan.
Bad weather’s no excuse. Join a health club, walk at
a shopping mall, buy a jump rope, get an exercise
video from the library, or buy a piece of indoor
equipment.
8. Buy good shoes.

If you walk, run, do aerobics, or play racquet sports,
good shoes keep you comfortable and prevent injuries.

9. Be sure your equipment fits.
If you ride a bicycle, ski, or use indoor equipment,
have a professional check the fit. You’ll be more
comfortable and enjoy your activity more.

10. Listen to your body.
Take a day off when your body is really too tired to
exercise, or if you’re having constant pains. But get
back on track after a couple of days of rest. If the
pain doesn’t go away, see your doctor.