Niagara Personal Trainer Fitness Training Embrace Fitness Andrea Andi Miller
Niagara Fitness Articles
Fitness For Older Adults
You've probably heard that exercise is the key to healthy aging. It's true, but it can be daunting. Many seniors feel discouraged because they have chronic health conditions or are concerned about injuries or falls and thus don't exercise as much as they should. The benefits of exercise outweigh the risks and fortunately, reaping these benefits doesn't require strenuous workouts or fancy equipment.
Improving fitness starts with adding more movement and activity to your life. Even something small can have a positive effect. Whether you're generally healthy or are coping with an illness there are lots of easy ways to get your body moving and improve your health.
A few suggestions to get started safely:
- Clear any exercise plans with your doctor, especially if you have an existing health condition. Ask if there are any types of activities you should avoid.
- Keep any health concerns in mind as they may affect your workouts. For example, diabetics may have to plan workout times around their meals or medication schedule. If something feels wrong, especially sharp pains or if you're experiencing an unusual shortness of breath, just stop.
- Start slow if you haven't been very active. Hospitals are full of "weekend warriors". Build up your exercise program in increments to prevent injury and increase the intensity as your fitness levels improve.
Staying active isn't rocket science, but it does require some knowledge about different types of exercise to keep things interesting and to improve your overall health. Try to choose activites from the four major types of fitness training:
- Cardio endurance - helps improve your endurance for daily activities and helps lessen fatigue and shortness of breath. Cardio activities include walking, swimming, hiking, cycling, rowing, tennis, stair climbing and dancing.
- Strength training - helps you stay independent and makes daily activies easier. Assists in preventing loss of bone mass, building muscle and improving balance. Strength training can help you stay active and reduce your risk of falling.
- Flexibility - stretching helps you keep your body limber and increases your range of movement so ordinary physical activities are made easier. It also keeps your muscles and joints supple so they are less likely to be injured.
- Balance - Improving your balance reduces the risk of falls and also the FEAR of falling. Through activities like yoga, Tai-Chi and other posture exercises you will gain confidence with balance.
Considering physical activity as part of a lifestyle is key to making sure it becomes an enjoyable part of your everyday life. Make sure you choose activities and exercises you enjoy and think about how you can incorporate them into an exercise routine. When you focus on the rewards of your stronger, healthier body you'll find it easier to stay motivated and the more you will benefit.