Senior, OK – that’s what your birth certificate might say. But old? Who says?

Are you what folks call a senior citizen? If so, Bro and Sis, you’re like fine wine that gets better with age…

Some people are old, round-shouldered, overweight, lazy and sluggish at 23. Others have ramrod posture, stability, agility and flexibility at 83. An important part of our obligations in life is to do the very best with the raw material that the Almighty gives us, no matter how young or old we are.

I don’t care how old you are, but if you want to say goodbye to a load of aches and pains, candidacy for diabetes, cardiac issues and a long list of other ailments, then start eating right and exercising every day. Here are a few tips for seniors (or juniors) just getting started on a personal fitness improvement campaign:

1. Exercise every day, just like you eat and drink daily.
2. Take it slow it first; like Rome, you don’t build your body in a day, but each day of good nutrition and exercise adds up.
3. Active walking is the sport of choice. Start with 10 minutes a day and then add an additional 5 minutes every week until you work up to at least 30 minutes a day, preferably 5 days a week.
4. Choose walking over riding in cars; take the stairs instead of the elevator if your heart, lungs and knees are in decent shape.
5. Once you’re capable of walking 30 minutes a day, you can add Pilates and resistance training. I recommend starting out with bodyweight exercises rather than reaching for the iron.
6. Do a good warmup before any exercise; the flexibility you get from your warmup prepares muscles for further injury-free activity.
7. Chart your progress by keeping an exercise log.

We’ll be periodically posting specific advice in reference to the above points, G-d willing. Meanwhile, if you have an ailment, first thank the Almighty for all your body parts that are healthy. When we thank G-d, He gives many more reasons to thank Him. Try it, for it’s ever so effective.