Alert
Close

Help those devastated by the Oklahoma tornadoes. Click here to donate today and AARP will match your gift

AARP Membership: Just $16 a Year

Highlights

Open

Dunkin' Donuts

Members receive a Donut with purchase of a L or XL beverage

Social Security Calculator

What will your Social Security benefits pay out?

Savings Icon

Tanger Outlets

Access to a free coupon book

Technical Icon

Black Community

How to live your best life

Job Tips for Workers 50+

Hear insights from hiring employers

Contests and
Sweeps

You Could Win $50,000!

Plus you’ll get free tips and tools to help you find your perfect path to retirement
See official rules.

learning
centers

Get smart strategies for managing health conditions.

 

Arthritis

Heart Disease

Diabetes

Most Popular
Articles

Viewed

Recommended

Commented

How to Safely Begin an Exercise Program

First, ask yourself these questions

  • Text
  • Print
  • Comments
  • Recommend

Vigorous Activity

Jogging, running, lap swimming, aerobic dancing, rowing, cross-country skiing, hiking and competitive group sports are all examples of vigorous activity. If you can only say a few words without stopping for breath while working out, then you’re exercising at a vigorous intensity.  

If you would like to work out at this level, check with your doctor first if you answer yes to any of the following questions:

Question Yes No
Are you a man 45 or older or a woman 55 or older?    
Do you have a heart or blood vessel disease, lung disease, asthma, thyroid disorders or kidney disease?    

Do you have two or more of the following risk factors?

Family history of heart disease

Currently smoke cigarettes

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

30 pounds or more overweight

Not physically active

Diabetes

   

What Should You Do If . . .

You become sick? Rest while you're sick is important to your body's healing process. Return to your normal activity level after you've fully recovered and feel healthy enough for exercise.

You have worrying symptoms during exercise? Learn your body’s normal response to working out. As you gradually increase the amount and intensity of your activity, your body will respond with a higher heart rate, breathing rate and perspiration level. This is normal. If you begin to feel pain or discomfort while exercising, get your doctor’s advice. It could be your body's way of warning you that something's wrong.

You may also like: 9 best exercise tips for Boomers. >>

Topic Alerts

You can get weekly email alerts on the topics below. Just click “Follow.”

Manage Alerts

Processing

Please wait...

progress bar, please wait

Tell Us WhatYou Think

Please leave your comment below.

You must be signed in to comment.

Sign In | Register

More comments »

Discounts & Benefits

Grandson (8-9) whispering to grandfather, close-up

Members save on hearing care with the AARP® Hearing Care Program provided by HearUSA.

Prescription medication spilling out of bottle

Members get a free Rx card from AARP® Prescription Discounts provided by Catamaran.

AARP Membership Drive: Join or Renew Now

Member access to health and insurance products and services at AARPhealthcare.com.

Member Benefits

Members receive exclusive member benefits & affect social change. Join Today

Being Social

Featured
Groups

Medicare & Insurance

Share health coverage information and experiences common to being age 50+. Join

Health Nuts

Share heart-smart recipes, fitness tips and stress relievers. Join