Fitness for Seniors

Fitness programs are beneficial to people of all ages. Younger people exercise to help maintain their health and fitness. However, older people are following in the same foot steps in order to stay healthy and fit, as well. Senior fitness programs are becoming increasing popular, especially among the 'Baby Boomers' who are trying to keep that young feeling. It is important for senior citizens to have a variety of different exercises. Seniors require balance exercise, strength exercise, stretching exercise and endurance exercise.

Physicians and doctors are advising older people to enroll in some type of senior fitness program. Senior fitness programs are specifically tailored to the wants and needs of aging people. For elderly people suffering from diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis, exercise should be a way of life. Senior fitness programs are designed to be beneficial and at the same time safe, for senior citizens to do.

Improving a senior’s cardiovascular fitness is the main goal of senior fitness programs. While at the same time, they help to improve flexibility and strength of the various tendons and muscles. Seniors who exercise have a better chance of fighting off chronic diseases. Fitness in general helps a person’s overall well being. Senior fitness programs need to take into consideration doctor’s recommendations, risk factors and personal interests before being put into place. Many health clubs require that members who are senior citizens provide a certificate from their doctor, stating that it is ok for them to participate in a fitness program.

One of the safest and easiest exercises for a senior citizen to do is swimming. Many health clubs or recreation centers will offer senior water aerobic classes. Water aerobics that are specifically designed for seniors have less of an impact on their joints. Water aerobics allows people to move around, without bearing all of their weight. Senior water aerobics do not require that the person be a proficient swimmer. Most of the classes are held in the shallow end of the water. If the person does not feel comfortable in water, they do have specially designed belts to help keep the senior floating upright in the water.

Another great senior fitness program is cycling. Riding a stationary bike is sometimes easier for seniors since it does not require balance. They are able to remain sitting, while still getting the benefits of exercise. Riding a stationary bike can also help to improve the strength of your thighs. If you have weak thighs, it can be very difficult to get in and out of a chair or walk up and down stairs. It takes a lot more energy to run and jump around, than it does to pedal a stationary bike.

It is important that whenever you being a senior fitness program, that you start out gradually. You do not want to over do it and risk injury. By starting out slowly you are able to build up your endurance and strength. If you choose to ride a bike as your means of exercise, begin by exercising every other day. Work out until your legs begin to feel heavy or you begin to feel tired. Then you should stop and not go any further. Eventually, you should be able to work out for 30 minutes at a time, three times a week. The most important rule of thumb is to listen to your body. No one but yourself knows how you feel and if something hurts or not. So be sure to pay close attention to what your body is trying to tell you.

As with any one who begins an exercise program, it is important to warm up. People who do not warm their muscles up before exercising are more prone to an injury. Senior citizens can warm up by doing some jumping jacks or walking in place for three to five minutes. Then, you can gently and slowly stretch. No matter what type of stretch you do, hold each one for 30 seconds.

It has been proven that exercising can dramatically improve a person’s health and overall well being. Seniors citizens become frail and weak because of not using their muscles, not because they are seniors. Therefore, it is important that you continue to move throughout your life. Exercising can help to deal with chronic illnesses. With all of the benefits of a senior fitness program, you will find it hard to not get up and get moving.