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From our younger days, we have heard it reiterated that regular physical activity is one of the keys to good health. Its importance only becomes more pronounced as we age.
Indeed, a 50-year-old is not the same as a 20-year-old. Over time, our bones deteriorate and muscles begin to lose mass. As a result, there are things an aged person cannot do, and nor should they try.
In any case, regular exercise is one way to enjoy a good quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults 50 years or older require more physical activity.
Whether you already have a fitness regime or need to set up one, there are hidden dangers to be aware of. The most imminent yet sneaky of them are chemicals. In this article, we will discuss four ways to protect yourself from unseen chemical dangers lurking in your fitness regime.
Be Careful of What You Consume
A significant part of every fitness regime is the consumption of a healthy diet with balanced meals. What you have before and after gym will indeed impact your overall health. After a certain age, the best thing to do is to practice self-restraint about what you consume.
Some older folks include multivitamins and dietary supplements that promise better strength and immunity. While they are good, be wary of certain workout beverages. We understand that these are popular for providing a pep in your step.
However, they may contain toxic chemicals in the form of heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, and even per- and polyfluoroalkyl alkyl substances or PFAS. Such harmful chemicals were discovered in some famous protein powders in an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified lab test.
Processing concerns are expressed across a vast list of common nutritional food and drink items. If any of these products list the term ‘flavor,’ be sure that it includes undisclosed chemicals.
Even food dyes used to make some of these drinks appear vibrant are problematic. Our recommendation is to invest your hard-earned dollars in the farmer’s market. If possible, grow your own food or eat meals prepared using fresh organic ingredients. Such extras did not exist in the bygone times and people lived much healthier lives.
Check What You Wear
It’s not always about what you ingest into your body. To an equal degree, you must be mindful of what goes onto your skin. It is the largest organ, making up nearly 3.6 kg of an adult body.
A lot can easily seep through its three layers and cause harm. This means it’s essential to not wear anything that may contain toxic chemicals. Recently, wearable tech devices have been found to contain the aforementioned PFAS.
They are the same chemicals used for decades to manufacture Class B firefighting foam. Their toxicity is such that the direct exposure led many professionals to develop cancer of the kidneys, testicles, and bladder.
A PFAS lawsuit had to be started for legal compensation and to hold the chemical manufacturers accountable. What’s shocking is that despite being aware of the risks, manufacturers like 3M never warned the firefighters or the public.
TorHoerman Law states that the PFAS litigation is gaining more attention than ever now since military personnel have stepped forward to seek justice. There has been a worldwide proposal to ban these chemicals by next year.
Given how dangerous PFAS can be, is it wise to wear something that may have them? Keep in mind that these chemicals can be easily absorbed into the skin, and from there, the bloodstream.
Also, certain workout clothes made of synthetic fabrics may have PFAS. These chemicals are used to make the fabrics water-repellent and stain-resistant. With sweat, they escape the microplastic fibers and become available for human absorption.
For the time being, put down your smartwatch or fitness tracker. Handy notes go a long way in monitoring your health. Also, invest in workout clothing made of natural fibers.
Be Mindful of What You Apply to Your Skin
Skincare lotions, creams, and deodorants are products that people of all ages use. Your body’s needs and fragrance preferences may change but such applications are common.
Older folks may also use skincare products particularly before or after their workout sessions to keep themselves glowing. The desire is not wrong; the products you use could be. There are plenty of brands that downright violate their customers’ safety rights.
Others engage in unethical practices like greenwashing only to stay relevant. After all, the modern consumer is looking for more sustainable options. Certain deodorants and antiperspirant sprays may be laden with benzene contamination.
Again, the term ‘fragrance’ will give it away. Other personal care products contain an ingredient called ‘propylparaben.’ This is also a harmful chemical that often acts as an endocrine disruptor.
You may even find PFAS in some cosmetics, especially lipsticks, moisturizers, blushers, and cleansers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shares the list of some common PFAS found in cosmetic items. If you spot any of these names, do not invest in that product.
Watch Out for Harmful Cleaning Products
If there is one place where it’s absolutely crucial to practice good hygiene, it’s the gym. This enhances the workout experience and reduces the risk of infections. Even each piece of equipment’s lifespan may increase due to proper cleaning.
As a result, patrons may use disinfectant wipes and sprays to clean the various surfaces. These include the benches, weights, cardio machines, and yoga mats. It may feel like that spritz is vital from a health perspective, but the opposite could also be true.
Usually, the disinfectant only does its job when left on the surface for a minute or two. In reality, that doesn’t always happen because someone may end up using the mat or equipment just seconds after it’s been wiped down.
Moreover, many disinfectants score poorly in terms of the safety of their formulations. You may come in contact with chemicals that cause allergies, asthma, and other health concerns. An antimicrobial wipe will work just as well as any other disinfectant. Simply use one made with tea tree oil and gently wipe your equipment before use.
We hope this article has provided you with some much-needed insight into the true meaning of fitness. We know that you want your hard work in the gym to pay off. That depends not only on your diet and workout routine but also on how well you manage to steer clear of unseen chemical hazards.
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