Sure, you are too old to exercise. Sure, you have health problems that may get in the way of exercising. No! Enough with all of those excuses because that is exactly what they are.
You can exercise. You can exercise regularly, and you might enjoy it. There are so many exercises for seniors that there is sure to be one that you will enjoy.
By exercising regularly, you can do so much for your health and well-being. You can lower your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, and so much more.
You will feel better, look better and be healthier. You can increase your metabolism, boost your immune system, and have more energy. You will feel younger and become physically younger-looking.
What Exercises Can Seniors Practice?
Here are some exercises for seniors you can try –
Tai Chi: Tai Chi is great if you have not exercised in a long time because it is a low-impact exercise that can get you back in the game. Its slow, controlled movements have many benefits. There are many videos and book guides out there about Tai Chi just for seniors.
Pilates: Pilates has many benefits, as well. You will definitely feel more flexible and more balanced. There are many varieties of Pilates available and even videos and book guides for seniors.
Walking: Walking has so many benefits. You can walk every day or just three times a week to feel the benefits of a nice, low-impact walk. You can walk alone or get your friends and family to join in.
Gym: If you can join a gym, you will find that they most likely have various workout groups just for seniors.
Yoga: This is also a low-impact workout. There are many forms of Yoga to choose from. Some numerous videos and guides can help you learn Yoga right in the comfort of your own home. You will achieve better flexibility, balance, and strength.
Weight Training: Yes, you can lift weights. Lifting weights has so many benefits for anyone, especially seniors. You should do weight training in conjunction with aerobic exercise such as walking, Tai Chi, Pilates, and/or Yoga. Weight training can help you increase your muscle mass and bone density.
No matter what type of exercises you choose to perform, make sure you contact your medical professional before beginning any exercise program. They might offer you a better selection that will benefit you more or advise you on what you should not do.
Doing exercise regularly (at least three or more times a week) can help you so much. You can help you feel healthier, be healthier, and maybe even inspire those around you to do the same thing.
There is rarely ever a time when exercise is something you can’t do. Do away with the excuses and negativity. Exercising for seniors can help you reduce your risk for diseases, increase your metabolism and boost your immune system.
Aerobics
Aerobics is great for improving the heart, stretching muscles, and getting the body moving. Senior aerobics serves the same purpose, and the benefits of aerobics for seniors do not end there.
Senior aerobics does not have to be hard or strenuous. It just has to be enough to bring up the heart rate to a moderate level safely. Aerobics for seniors does not involve jumping or running and certainly does not contain strenuous or complicated moves.
Senior aerobics is a fun way to strengthen muscles, lose excess weight, maintain current body figures, and keep the heart-healthy. In addition, senior aerobics will promote well-being and relieve depression from the endorphins released during exercise. Just 30 minutes every few days can be extremely beneficial for seniors.
Learn From DVD
You can purchase a DVD specifically made for senior citizens to get started with senior aerobics. It will usually tell you in the title or subtitle. These exercise videos are gentle but stimulate the body and increase heart rate to a safe level for maximum benefits.
Enroll Local Gym or Fitness Club
Another way to get into senior aerobics is through a local gym or fitness club. Many health centers offer classes and sessions for senior aerobics. The group fitness instructor will use the correct techniques and utilize different body parts while maintaining a slower and gentler structure. Exercises will vary from class to class, but safety and stimulation will always be a top priority for aerobics for seniors.
Usually, all senior aerobics videos and classes involve walking motions and modified motions, such as small kicks or walking sideways. It should also include using arms in conjunction with the legs to get the heart rate up.
Some seniors will use weights or closed fists during their senior aerobics sessions to further their strength and flexibility. However, there will be no jumping or complicated moves for the safety of seniors. You may also use balancing balls and aerobics steps to make senior aerobics more fun and dynamic.
To make things more challenging and different, there are several types of aerobics for seniors. There are dancing classes and dance-step-based aerobics classes designed for senior citizens. A newer type of aerobics includes water or pool aerobics that is stimulating for seniors. This type of senior aerobics is much gentler on the joints and is great for those with chronic joint or muscle aches.
The best part about senior aerobics is its fun, unique approach to better health and stronger bodies. It is also a great opportunity to meet friends and work together to become healthier together. Although senior aerobics can help with weight loss, it is great for every senior, even those without weight problems.
Senior Citizen Fitness – the Key to a Longer Healthier Life
There are no good reasons not to exercise. Generally, as senior citizens age, they become less active because energy levels are lower and muscles are not as strong. In addition, joint and muscle aches are frequent, meaning that movements like walking or bending are harder than ever. To avoid falls and injuries, some senior citizens stop doing the things that they once loved.
However, senior citizen fitness can actually help with movement and muscle aches. Exercise is important for strengthening and building muscles. When muscles are strong, falls become infrequent, and injuries are not as severe. Also, fractures are fewer occurrences when muscles are strong.
Fitness for older citizens can also improve blood circulation. Those with a history of heart problems can greatly benefit from exercise. Not only will you lose weight with the right types of senior citizen fitness programs, but you will also feel healthier because blood flow to the heart will be much more efficient.
Improve Balance
Another tremendous benefit that you can experience with elderly fitness is improved balance. Falls and slips are more frequent when your balance is off. Exercises like yoga and stretching can help with balance. Combined with stronger muscles, movements will be much easier, and you will feel stronger and less likely to fall!
You can also experience feelings of well-being and happiness when you start a senior fitness program. When the body moves and the heart rate increases, endorphins are released with your body. Endorphins are very powerful and natural mood enhancers. Those with chronic depression will have a healthier mind and will feel great overall.
In the United States, obesity is a serious issue. Seniors who are overweight will experience more problems than seniors who are of average weight. Movements are even harder, and worse yet, heart problems, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are common in those who are obese. Combined with other natural downfalls of old age, obese seniors are in dire shape and must lose weight.
Fitness Can Help Senior Citizen To Lose Weight
When you lose weight, blood pressure will naturally drop, and the heart will become healthier. It can mean the difference between life and death. This is the most beneficial part of senior citizen fitness and something worth working for.
Elderly people should visit the local gym or fitness center to learn about a senior fitness program. Some senior centers also offer group training. Also, you can do many exercises from home, which makes it more convenient to exercise. Whatever it takes, you should take senior citizen fitness seriously. Consult with your doctor before starting any fitness program.
