Playing exercise 'catch-up' is easier than you think

By now, it is no secret, no magical mystery that exercise and eating right is the best bet against early retirement from life. Research tells us that in order to live long, healthy lives, we should try to follow a diet low in bad fats and low in simple carbs, and exercise for at least a half an hour, two to five times per week. But even armed with this knowledge, some people are a bit reluctant to begin an exercise program and healthy diet -- particularly the former. This is especially true of people who have long since said goodbye to their twenties and even their thirties. The common misconception is that it's too late to start. Well, I'm here to tell you that it's never too late to start. And, I have the scientific proof to back me up.

In a German study of over 300 people, those who began exercising in their forties were half as likely to develop heart disease as people who never exercised. Interestingly enough, that risk reduction is nearly the same as that realized by people who have been sweating their butts off in the gym since they were in their teens and early twenties. So, you see, it is possible to play catch-up with your health.

For those of you who are completely new to exercise, I advise taking it slow at first. Don't tax your body to the point of absolute exhaustion, at least not for months after working out steadily. Try walking at a slow-to-moderate pace on a treadmill for a few weeks. Then, when that becomes too easy (which it will -- the human body is incredibly adaptive), try increasing the speed or the incline, or perhaps even hold some light dumbbells in your hands as you walk. The beauty of exercise is that there really isn't a set way of doing it. True, there are methods and routines to follow, but the number of options available are almost limitless. And, as the research shows, it's never too late to start.