Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Senior Living - Exercise And Fitness Tips

Recumbent bike is suitable for senior workout
It is imperative for everyone especially seniors to do regular exercises and fitness programs in order to stay healthy and live happily. Staying fit will enable seniors to enjoy everything in life without too dependent on others.

Growing old doesn’t restraint one from doing exercise. Research has shown that exercise is safe for all ages and not doing exercise will cause more harm than doing just moderate exercise. Yet, according to the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), many seniors try to do exercises they did 20 years ago without realizing their physical changes and chronic diseases they have, thus injuring themselves during the exercise.

Here are some exercise and fitness tips to help seniors in getting optimum health while enjoying exercise.

Tip #1: Know Your Body

Consult your doctor before starting any exercise or fitness program. Get a clearance first. You should choose an exercise or fitness program that is within your physical abilities. There are lots of fitness programs that can be custom made for each individual even if someone has limited mobility. Play it save. The key is, keep exercising. Over time, your health will improve and you will lead a more satisfying life.

Tip #2: Have Fun

Choose exercises or fitness programs that you truly enjoy. Exercise is by no means, having fun in the process. Do not dread yourself to do exercise for the sake of doing it. There are plenty of options you can choose from and you can change along the way. My dad and my mom always stick to their chosen routine and diligently follow through daily. They live as a role model for me. I’m now having fun doing yoga.

Tip #3: Start Slowly

Start simple and easy to follow exercise routine instead of any exercises with great intensity. You may injure yourself unnecessary and kill your enthusiasm for continuing any exercise. Start slowly but consistently, you’ll discover how exercise or fitness program can be a joyful task to accomplish and at the same time, give you a healthier lifestyle.

Walking is one form of low impact, easy to do exercise. It is highly recommended for seniors as it doesn’t require any equipment and can be done anywhere. Others include stretching exercises that give seniors flexibility and freedom of movement and balance exercises that allows seniors to have stronger leg muscles to avoid falls.

Tip #4: Keep Updated

Like any form of activities, seniors should keep abreast with latest development and progress of fitness program and health-related issues. These are easily available from internet, news and magazines, health center and gym, etc. Once you are equipped with the latest information, your confidence boost as you know you are adhering to fundamental principles and you can try new fitness programs without hesitation.

By following these exercise and fitness tips, seniors can expect to have an enjoyable and healthy lifestyle. However, bear in mind that the best exercise or fitness program is the one you can follow through and stick with it. If you can stick with it with right attitude and right mindset, you’ll obtain optimum health while enjoying your senior life.

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