Senior Fitness Should Not Be Ignored
Most people are familiar with mall-walkers, a group of seniors that stay in shape by walking the perimeter of malls ever morning. However, senior fitness can involve many more activities to help them stay strong and healthy, despite their age. Senior fitness was recently named as a top fitness trend by a leading health organization. The field grows in popularity every year, and more specialists are available to help older adults and seniors get in shape.
Seniors often face health obstacles such as arthritis, heart disease, bone loss, and problems with balance. These can interfere with traditional exercise programs, creating risks for participants. Simple exercises can help older people get in shape and become healthier. Fitness programs should be specially designed for seniors so that exercise is safe and effective.
Yoga is important for many seniors, because it helps promote flexibility. It is therapeutic and highly recommended for people of every age. Many people find that yoga helps reduce pain caused by arthritis and other ailments. Yoga classes are also good for socialization and relaxation, which is important for everyone.
Flexibility can be improved by other types of exercise, such as stretching. This can help reduce painful joints and encourage more mobility. Range of motion in joints can decrease with age, yet this can be prevented with the right movements. Careful guidance can help seniors become more flexible and help improve their daily lives.
Many people experience balance problems as they age, and this interferes with their daily lives. Fitness experts that specialize in senior fitness can help train your body to be more balanced and stable. You will develop a stronger core and increase strength in your legs, and this can help you retain control over your body when standing or moving. Improving balance is important to help prevent falls that may break bones or cause other injuries.
Weight training helps strengthen bones and helps prevent bone loss as we age. This should ideally be started earlier in life, but it's never too late to begin lifting weights to get in shape. Personal trainers can create a program to help you safely lift weights, even if you are a beginner. You'll quickly see the benefits as you continue with your program.
Many fitness programs for seniors are covered by insurance, making them affordable and accessible. Proper fitness is encouraged to help reduce overall health costs. Contact your health insurance provider to learn which programs in your area are covered. Many plans even cover private personal trainers, and this is especially helpful to seniors that are unable to leave their homes.
Senior fitness classes are often available for free or at a very low cost at local senior centers or other community centers. Contact your local human resource agency to receive a listing of classes and other health programs designed for seniors. Many older adults can benefit from DVDs that are designed for seniors, and can be followed from home. This is helpful for anyone who can't leave home, but still wants to stay in shape.
Everyone can benefit from being fit, and age should not be a deterrent. A healthy body contributes to a longer and more satisfying life. You should not hesitate to take advantage of the many resources available in senior fitness today.
