Exercises for Older People

No matter how old you are, there are safe exercises to get the body moving and the blood pumping. In fact, there are many exercises available, just for senior citizens who want to get into shape, strengthen muscles and feel better.

The purpose of exercises for the older generation is to strengthen the body, relieve joint aches, and experience better movement for enhanced living. However, it focuses on safety and well-being, so these exercises aren’t difficult or overly strenuous. Even those who have a hard time walking or doing daily tasks can exercise and reap the benefits of a stronger, more youthful life.

Among exercises for seniors, there are several different types. Aerobics for the elderly contains a series of gentle movement that will increase the heart rate. This is great for weight loss and weight maintenance, as well as improving muscles. Then there is strength training where exercises are done in repetitions and sets to target and strengthen specific areas of the body.

Yoga is another form of exercise that benefits older people. This is very beneficial for relaxation and breathing, and will help elongate muscles and relieve joint pains. Again, it is gentle enough to do several times a week without injury. Another great exercise for the elderly is stretching. This is ideal for those who have a hard time with walking or basic movements. Even stretching for a few minutes a day can improve movement in the elderly!

When it comes to strength training, elderly exercises are specially created or altered to provide benefits without pushing the body to unsafe levels. Strength training and muscle conditioning is extremely important, so seniors should pay close attention to this area. When the muscle is strong, movements will be easier and balance will come more naturally.

Before beginning strength training exercises, you should first warm-up by walking for 5 to 10 minutes. You can start with very light weights to do bicep curls and shoulder extensions. These exercises can be done sitting down, which is wonderful for those who are unable to walk.

You can also do a series of leg exercises to target different areas of the legs, as well as other kinds of exercises for different parts of the body. The types of exercises for the elderly vary, and the program will depend on the individual’s current strength and conditioning.

Sometimes, depending on your physical strength, you can combine strength training with aerobics training for optimum results. This is sometimes called circuit training and is ideal for younger senior citizens or those who are in good physical condition.

Any kind of movement, no matter how small, can be beneficial to the elderly. As long as it is performed regularly, improved movements and stronger muscles will come. Add to that good balance, feelings of well-being, and lessened muscle pains, it’s easy to see that elderly exercises can do a world of good!

To start exercising, visit your local gym or health center. There are many programs available that cater to the older generation. You can also purchase DVDs and video tapes, or participate in mall walks or your local senior group activities. As always, take necessary precautions. Consult a doctor first before beginning any type of fitness program.