Everyday we make hundreds of decisions that affect our lives. As a boomer or senior woman you must realize that some aspects of aging are natural and that others are a result of the choices you have made throughout your life.

You can slow aging

You can slow down the aging process through physical fitness. Whether you want to slim down, tone muscles, or be able to perform every day activities, start by making the right choices from the time you wake up until you go to bed. The choices you make daily in terms of exercise and diet will impact your ability to succeed.

Four Fitness Choices

I believe there are four fitness choices that will shape the rest of your life. The first is you must commit to a healthy lifestyle. Without this commitment you are doomed to fail. The other three choices are to build muscles, do aerobic workouts and eat a healthy diet. All three of these must be incorporated into your healthy lifestyle to get the maximum benefit.

Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle

There will always be excuses as to why you choose not to workout or watch what you eat. You have to want and expect to succeed.  Ask yourself “do I want to watch my grandkids playing and swimming or would I rather join them in those activities?” The health benefits of being fit are tremendous and nothing else can take the place of it.

Become Stronger

Strength/resistance training is one of the best things you can do to speed up your metabolism, make your bones denser, tone your body and get stronger.  The choices are numerous: machines, dumbbells, resistance tubes and Pilates. You can train by yourself or with a partner, with a trainer or in an exercise class.

Burn Calories

Along with burning calories, cardiovascular workouts work the heart to keep it strong and healthy.  Again, the choice of workouts are numerous from treadmill, elliptical, bicycle, swimming, walking and aerobic classes.  Exercise does not need to be intense or for a long time.  Especially as a beginner, workout within your ability even if it is for only 10 minutes twice a day.

Eat Healthily

Choose foods rich in nutrients instead of foods full of fat and calories.  Instead of a sweet roll for breakfast have a high fiber cereal with no fat/low fat milk or yogurt.  For lunch, have a salad with grilled chicken breast (use low fat dressing) and for dinner broiled fish with steamed vegetables.  As a snack, have a handful of unsalted nuts and some fruit. Limit or avoid fried foods, heavy sauces, white bread, and baked goods.

Remember, fitness is no longer a luxury but a necessity.  You have the power to change the way you look and feel with the choices you make from today on.  Start making better choices today and you will see greater results!

Make these choices and shape the rest of your life!