We take a lot of measures to stay young and healthy: going to the gym, eating healthy foods, avoiding dangerous habits like smoking. But, what if the type of exercise we’re focusing on isn’t targeting one of the major problems of aging? Lung function and capacity gets worse with age and as it decreases, the health problems start to increase. In fact, what if the exercises we’re doing make the situation worse, not better?

As lung volume drops, it becomes harder for the cells in your body to receive enough oxygen and that is where the health problems start. According to a study by Dr. Dean Ward, our lung function decreases by 40% by the time we reach fifty years old. Another study found that even a slight decline in lung capacity increased the risk of heart disease by 200%! Other studies found a relationship between lung volume and the risk of having a fatal stroke.

Although you may not have the same strength and endurance that you did 20 years ago, you can still lift weights or go for a run. Your body can still be pushed, enabling you to keep your muscle mass and ensure your body is in good condition. Several forms of endurance training are helpful for healthy aging, but jogging is likely the easiest and most common. It’s important to remember, however, that your body isn’t what it was when you were younger, and pushing yourself too hard too fast may do harm.

As a result, it’s important to start your endurance training slowly. If you run short of breath, or experience any kind of pain, particularly in your chest, it’s a sign you’re probably running too fast. A good rule of thumb is to increase the distance you run by 10 percent each time you feel you’re ready for a new challenge-remember that injuries are not the point of healthy aging. If you’re like me and don’t like jogging, swimming is a good alternative endurance exercise. Swimming, in my opinion, is a rare form of exercise that is both pleasant and effective-it’s high resistance but low impact. Keep in mind that it’s still possible to get carried away and push your body too hard.

Just like when you’re jogging, take frequent breaks, particularly if you’re short of breath. Get out of the pool and rest if your chest begins to hurt. Although swimming can be very tiring, it’s a very effective exercise because it works different muscle groups in concert, improving both coordination and endurance. Swimming is a great exercise that can do wonders for your body.

I also enjoy cycling quite a bit. It’s more dynamic than jogging or swimming, and offers more of a change of scenery. Additionally, there are many cycling events for many age groups all over the country, so you’ll have the chance to meet like minded people. Cycling not only improves your endurance, but it can be a great way to make new friends. There are many activities you can enjoy as you age, but whichever you choose, it’s recommended that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day or every other day.

As with any age, it’s important to rest an average of one day a week to allow your body to heal from this accelerated activity. Once you have put in a few months of pleasant, enjoyable physical exercise, you may suddenly find you’re feeling at least 20 years younger.

Graham McKenzie in an online content syndicator for ground breaking new fitness equipment device that increases an athletes peak performance by an additional 13.8%.