Health
and fitness are major concerns for most seniors, usually because
they've spent decades ignoring those topics. If that includes YOU, at
what age did you decide your fitness level wasn't a priority?
Fortunately in most cases it's not too late - you can start taking
back your health and fitness at any age!
From
treadmills to exercise machines to free weight areas, more and more
people over 60 are turning up regularly at gyms and working out
regularly.
Most marathons these days have athletes 60 and older
joining them, and the half-marathons see even more seniors taking
part. And golf courses, tennis courts and squash courts are often
populated with seniors, both for their enjoyment and to help them get
and stay fit.
But
if your physical condition isn't up to extreme senior sports, the
good news is you can start much more simply. Health and fitness
require proper exercise, nutrition and sufficient rest to recover
fully. But seniors don't need to jump into major changes to improve
their lives - even small changes add up over time.
What's
your current activity level? If the bulk of your exercise is walking
from your couch to the bathroom, taking a walk around the block each
day would be a good start.
If mobility isn't an issue for you, how
long has it been since you rode a bike regularly? If mobility is an
issue, instead think about modest exercise - there are plenty of
bodyweight exercises and stretches you can do at home without lifting
weights.
Or
maybe simple, no-impact exercises like yoga or Tai Chi would suit you
better.
Each can be performed at a very basic level by almost any
senior, and you can increase your level as your body adapts. You
don't even need to join a class for either - there are plenty of
online videos or DVDs available that you can follow along with at
home.
Once again, no equipment is necessary to get started...
Does
your community have recreation centers? If they have a pool there you
can easily enjoy yourself while working on your fitness level, and
many have in-pool exercise classes for seniors as well.
Any
nervousness you feel about starting to exercise in front of others
will most likely fade quickly as you experience the social benefits
of exercising with other seniors from your local community.
Socializing with a group of like-minded peers your own age will also
help you stick with it and heighten your sense of accomplishment as
you advance.
And
remember, when you're physically ready, the gym is always going to be
there to welcome you! If you want to start lifting weights at home,
it's as easy as starting off with a pair of dumbbells bought at your
local sports store or department store.
If you're feeling more
adventurous, talk to the manager at any local gyms - more and more
personal trainers are taking special training in working with seniors
(thanks to the large baby-boomer demographics), and it will certainly
help you get started on the right path if you hire one for at least
your first few gym sessions.
When lifting weights it's best to start
with shorter, lighter workouts and progress from there - you're going
to be asking your body to move and stretch in unfamiliar ways, so
don't overdo it in the early stages.
As
you can see, fitness for seniors can take many paths, and all of them
can be started easily and build from just a small initial effort.
Take back your health starting today for a longer, happier life - the
benefits to YOU are myriad!
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Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._Champigny
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