Every once and awhile I talk to someone in my studio who says, “I don’t really need to exercise. I am happy with my weight.” Weight loss is only one of the hundreds of benefits associated with exercise. Being able to move better and easier is oftentimes a major goal for many people, regardless of age.

Runners often have ankle, knee or hip issues. Show me a runner that’s been pain-free and I’ll show you someone who hasn’t been running for very long.

A properly designed exercise program can prevent injuries and help to improve performance in any sport. Helping the athlete move more effectively is normally the ultimate goal of a conditioning program.

As we age, our muscles become tighter, our joints lose lubrication and we drop muscle mass. Each of these elements make it more difficult to move.

Regardless of your age or mobility issues, a sound exercise program will make life easier and getting around more enjoyable. Every exercise program can be modified based on the individual needs and physical limitations. Your pain or lack of strength should not be reasons to stay home. They should be reasons to start an exercise program.

For the longest time, we thought that as people aged they were doomed to sit in their rocking chair. Times have changed and the research is crystal clear.

Many of the side-effects of aging can be effectively combated by following the right exercise program. For most people this includes strength training three days per week, cardiovascular activity at a moderate pace for at least 30 minutes four to five days per week and stretching most days of the week.

Being able to move when you want and how you want may seem like a given, but ask someone who’s struggling with an injury or talk to someone who has not exercised in a long time.

Don’t settle and believe that moving around needs to be difficult. You are capable of getting whatever you want out of your life and your body.

Find an exercise program that works for you and stick to it. If you don’t know where to start then to talk a personal trainer that works with people like you.

It’s one of those decisions you will never regret.