| While
physical fitness is important for people
of all ages, seniors can especially
benefit from regular exercise. However,
many seniors do not get regular activity
for a variety of reasons. Common excuses
include: not knowing where to begin
or what to do, thinking of exercise
as boring or a chore, believing he or
she is too weak/frail to exercise, not
wanting to suffer an injury, and lack
of motivation.
Senior fitness does so much more
than just provide physical benefits.
Activity can increase mental agility,
create interest, and allows a person
to feel involved and connected with
others. The physical benefits to regular
exercise are also quite numerous.
Many seniors can improve physical
aliments such as discomfort from arthritis,
osteoporosis, joint pain, and improve
flexibility. Weight bearing exercise
will also help to increase bone density,
which will help to combat osteopenia
and osteoporosis. In addition to improving
current conditions, exercise can help
keep other medical conditions at bay.
The risk for developing heart disease,
high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity,
certain types of cancer, and Alzheimer’s
disease and Dementia are all lowered
with regular physical activity.
Personal trainers are an excellent
resource for seniors. Some seniors
are hesitant to begin an exercise
program because they believe exercise
can cause problems or hurt them by
putting too much strain on their aging
bodies. Personal trainers have the
ability to design a program especially
for you and your specific needs. The
trainer will meet with you and discuss
your health, fitness level, and exercise
options. They will then guide you
thorough the exercise program, providing
support and ensuring the activities
are carried out in the proper way.
This level of care helps to ensure
your body is getting the best type
of activity, and that the risk for
injury is reduced.
Senior fitness is just as important
as consuming a proper diet and taking
the proper medication. Exercise can
help you live a more enjoyable life,
and provides numerous physical and
psychological benefits. Better mental
acuity, faster metabolism, more strength
and flexibility, higher immune function,
stronger bones, healthier gastrointestinal
tract, a better functioning cardio-respiratory
system, and increased mobility are
just a few of the many benefits to
engaging in a senior fitness program.
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