Do all 4 types of exercise during Go4Life Month!

Some people only walk or run for exercise. Others only lift weights. But did you know there are 4 types of exercise and that you get different benefits from each one? Endurance Endurance, or aerobic, activities increase your breathing and heart rate. They keep your heart, lungs, and circulatory system healthy and improve your overall fitness. Building your endurance makes it easier to carry out many of your everyday activities. Endurance exercises include: Brisk walking or jogging Yard work (mowing, raking, digging) Dancing Strength Strength exercises make your muscles stronger. They may help you stay independent and carry out everyday activities, such as climbing stairs and carrying groceries. These exercises also are called "strength training" or "resistance training." Strength exercises include: Lifting weights Using a resistance band Using your own body weight Balance Balance exercises can help prevent falls, a common problem in older adults. Many lower-body strength exercises will also improve your balance. Balance exercises include: Standing on one foot Heel-to-toe walk Tai Chi Flexibility Flexibility exercises stretch your muscles and can help your body stay limber. Being flexible gives you more freedom of movement for other exercises as well as for your everyday activities, including driving and getting dressed. Flexibility exercises include: Shoulder and upper arm stretch Calf stretch Yoga Visit the Go4Life website for exercises to try and sample workout videos that include all of these exercises. Follow #Go4LifeMonth in September to get new exercise ideas, motivational tips, and ways to track your progress over time. SAVE THE DATE! Tune in to our Facebook Live fitness demonstration on Sept. 13 at 2:00 pm ET. The event will showcase the benefits of all 4 types of physical activities recommended for older adults. Get tips from a fitness trainer on how to do the exercises safely and make them more challenging. Hear first-hand accounts from older adults about the many ways these exercises can make a real difference in everyday life as we age. You won't want to miss this chance get an up close and personal look at Go4Life in action! Share this information on social media: Change up your daily routine! Exercise and physical activity fall into four basic categories—endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Doing them all will give you more benefits, reduce boredom, and cut your risk of injury. #Go4LifeMonth https://go.usa.gov/xQvyG