Circuit Training

Getting into shape and staying fit can be pretty tough, especially when you're on a tight schedule, have an injury, or are able to do less exercise because of a pre-existing condition.  I think people of average to healthy constitution are really lucky to just get up and exercise.  One of the hardest things on me is seeing frail elderly patients or patients with conditions that get in the way of exercise, because it adds to the difficulty of improving and maintaining your health.

I laugh a little bit when I remember one of our early early lectures when our professor asked what the first step is in managing a patient with hypercholesterolaemia/hyperlipidaemia and a bunch of kids were like "omg dew statinzZ!" but really the answer he was looking for was diet and exercise.

I think I might've written an entry on circuit training ages ago but really what I'd like to emphasise here is that you should include both resistance training and aerobic/cardio into your fitness regimen.  I mean, as we age, many of us lose muscle mass and bone density and some of us might develop plaques/occlusions in our arteries.  Proper weight regimens can help prevent wasting and atrophy and proper aerobic exercise can help you build more arteries and lower your blood pressure of course (does the BP of some people show resistance to exercise and diet?  I'm not sure really given my limited knowledge, but it's an interesting question).

I always hear from a lot of girls that they don't want to do weight lifting because they'll bulk up Terminator-style but that doesn't really happen unless you're testosteroning it up.  It's way easier for us guys to bulk up (but ahem, I had to work out to get this scrawny), but at least baby weights or weights enough to provide resistance will help to keep your muscles toned and active.

We're pretty much full of use-it-or-lose-it phenomena, and while I admit  running can be irritating (I'm more of a cyclist), I like the changes I've been seeing running 2 miles a day and lifting throughout the day.  

A quick word on cycling: it's my preferred aerobic workout since the bike supports a lot of your weight, but running can also help keep your bones strong by having them resist your weight/impact.  But always ask your doc what kind of exercise is best for you, it'll be a few years until I can really recommend stuff properly.  Good luck, and stay happy and healthy.