Based on the abundant evidence about exercise and health, women should incorporate a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility into their daily lives. 41 Aerobic exercise includes fast walking, jogging, running, aerobic dance and other forms of rhythmic exertion. This form of exercise is especially important to cardiovascular health and weight control. 11 Strength training involves using particular muscle groups in strenuous bursts for fairly short intervals. As women age, muscle mass decreases, fat deposits increase, and the body weakens.
Anaerobic exercise helps maintain muscle strength and increase stamina and muscle tone.
Calisthenics, tai chi chuan, yoga, weight lifting and resistance training are examples of this kind of exercise. 42 Like aerobic exercise, strength training boosts the metabolic rate, which assists weight in loss. In addition to producing more muscle gain, strength training shapes muscles, resulting in a healthier appearance. Stretching should be performed to increase joint flexibility and may help prevent muscle and joint discomfort. The exercise prescription should be a collaborative effort between you and the patient to meet mutually agreed upon and realistic goals.