2. Vary your exercise intensity. It matters not your age; no one should exercise every day. You don’t become stronger, lose weight or become more fit while you are exercising, but rather, hours later while you rest. Exercise is the catalyst, but rest is the glue that holds your exercise program together. I teach folks of all ages and fitness levels that there are three components necessary to becoming healthy and fit, and they are like three equal slices of a pie. These fundamental parts are nutrition, exercise and rest, and if the exercise piece is too big, it makes the rest of the pieces too small, and that can cause your program to be ineffective.

3. Get proper exercise instruction. Again, at any age, when starting or changing an exercise routine, seek guidance from a trainer who is qualified and experienced. You’ll save yourself much grief. Make sure your trainer has worked with individuals your age. Be leery of trainers who implement the same routine for everyone. Every individual is unique, with different needs, so no two individuals should have the same exercise program.

4. Pay attention to those aches. Some muscle soreness is usually common, but pain experienced in a muscle or especially a joint should receive immediate consideration. Consult your doctor.

Diet or exercise question? Email me at dwcrocker77@gmail.com or visit fitness4yourlife.org. David Crocker of Landrum has been a nutritionist and master personal trainer for 27 years. 

He served as strength director of the Spartanburg Y.M.C.A., head strength coach for the USC-Spartanburg baseball team, S.C. state champion girl’s gymnastic team, and the Converse college equestrian team.

He served as a water safety consultant to the United States Marine Corps., lead trainer to L.H. Fields modeling agency and taught four semesters at USC-Union. Crocker was also a regular guest of the Pam Stone radio show.