No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to take care of your health. Senior fitness is on the rise and there is a multitude of ways to achieve your fitness goals, improve your health and keep your body and mind in tip-top shape. The following tips can help you develop a senior fitness program, get in shape and feel great.
See your doctor
Before starting any senior fitness program make a quick trip to your primary care doctor. He or she can assess your current physical state and advise you your new fitness routine and dietary changes.
Stretch
Start and end each day with a series of slow, gentle stretches. This will enhance your flexibility, balance, strength, loosen muscles and help you joints work better. Consider taking a low-impact yoga class, or check out some yoga videos online. It will not only make your stronger and more flexible, the meditative nature of some types of yoga can clear your mind and help you feel more mentally sharp and centered. Be careful—keep in mind that stretching should never be painful. If you do feel any pain, stop immediately.
Lift weights
Building muscle and ongoing muscle development can help to prevent bone density loss. Do some moderate strengthening exercises several times a week. Slips and falls are a major cause of injury for those over 65, and working to reduce the onset of bone density loss can help to minimize the dangers associated with falling.
Swim
Low-impact and easy on the joints, swimming is excellent exercise for building endurance, and the water cools you while you work out. You’ll be surprised at the progress you make if you keep at it a few times a week. Check out a local pool and do some vigorous laps during the adult swim time, or visit your local YMCA. Often, membership is free for seniors. Most public pools and YMCA’s free water aerobics classes and other classes that will enhance your senior fitness plan.
Walk
Walking is free, easy and good for you. Walking just 30 minutes a day can significantly improve your health. It increases circulation, helps joints and bones stay healthy, increases muscle strength and can help you lose weight. Whether you’re walking alone or with a partner, adding walking to your senior fitness plan can also help mood, mental acuity and lead to better sleep. For senior golfers wondering, is Walking the golf course good exercise? It is a tremendous way to stay active and remain healthy.
Sleep
Getting enough rest is a major component of living a healthy lifestyle. A good night’s sleep will help your body recover from your new senior fitness routine and make you feel better all around.
The health benefits you’ll reap are well worth the effort of creating a regular senior fitness routine. Talk to your doctor, find something you like to do, and stick with it! A fun and safe fitness plan will enhance your sense of well-being and lead to better overall health.
