Home Requirements to Play Registration Information 2008 Schedule Rulebook The Events Our Sponsors Photo Gallery General Info: Letters of Welcome About Boise About Fitness Regional Games About ISG: Board of Directors Contact ISG History of ISG Records & Results: Results for 2007 Results for 2006 Results for 2005 Results for 2004 Results for 2003 Current Recordholders National Senior Games Website	Staying Fit Regular physical activity can help the human body maintain, repair, and improve itself to an amazing degree. And most older people--even those with illnesses or disabilities--can take part in moderate exercise programs. People who exercise regularly may also be less apt to suffer fractures or other accidents. Exercise must become one of those things that you do without question, like bathing and brushing your teeth. Unless you are convinced of the benefits of exercise and the risks of unfitness, you will not succeed. Patience is essential. Don't try too much too soon and don't quit before you have a chance to experience the rewards of improved fitness. You can't gain in a few days or weeks what you have lost in years of sedentary living, but you can get it back if you persevere. And the prize is worth the price. Exercise Benefits strengthens your heart and lungs can lower your blood pressure helps protect against the start of adult-onset diabetes can strengthen your bones, slowing down the process of osteoporosis helps you move about more easily by keeping joints, tendons, and ligaments more flexible can help you lose weight (when combined with good eating habits) or maintain ideal weight by burning excess calories and by helping to control your appetite improves your appearance and self-confidence contributes to good mental health by keeping you socially active contributes to sleeping better promotes a sense of well-being helps to keep you "regular," and improves digestion Check Your Health Anyone who has been inactive for many years should never try to do too much too soon. Start by seeing a doctor, especially if you are over 50, if you have a disease or disability, or if you are taking medication. Your doctor can evaluate your physical condition, help you decide which activity will suit you best, and check your progress after the exercise program is underway. Other conditions that indicate a need for medical clearance are: high blood pressure heart trouble family history of early stroke or heart attack frequent dizzy spells extreme breathlessness after mild exertion arthritis or other bone problems severe muscular, ligament, or tendon problems osteoporosis other known or suspected diseases Those with medical problems may have to avoid some kinds of exercise or adjust their level of activity. Vigorous exercise involves minimum health risks for persons in good health or those following doctor's advice. Far greater risks are presented by habitual inactivity and obesity. Begin by exercising slowly, especially if you have been inactive. Start with short periods of about 5 to 10 minutes twice a week. Then build up slowly, adding no more than a few minutes each week. If all goes well, as it probably will, slowly increase your exercise periods to 15 to 30 minutes, three or four times a week. Your doctor may advise stretching as well as warm-up and cool-down periods of 5 to 15 minutes to tune up your body before exercise and to help you wind down afterward.