Last month I wrote a posting on willpower and new year’s resolutions. I discussed how our willpower is naturally limited by the limitations of our own brains, and how gradually building good exercise habits is the only way to sustain an exercise program over time. These good habits are important, but what if the exercises you are doing are not what your body needs the most. If the exercises you are doing result in joint pain, posture problems, excess fatigue, or other problems, you may be in the habit of doing the wrong types of exercises.

Often physical therapy is necessary for specific health problems, but physical problems occur because of poor exercise habits too. Habits like only doing aerobic exercises when muscle weakness is a problem, or only doing stretching exercises when you have a problem with balance are examples.

Generally speaking, to achieve optimal function, a balanced exercise program is recommended. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a balanced program of four kinds of exercise. They include:

1. Aerobic exercise
2. Balance exercise
3. Flexibility exercise
4. Resistance exercise

As we age, engaging in a balanced exercise program becomes increasingly important if we are to achieve optimal physical function. I will discuss specific strategies to achieve better function through exercise in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.