Senior Exercise Information
For many people exercise is a naughty word. The thought of doing physical activity without any visual benefits can turn many people off. This is especially true for senior citizens who have probably been active for their entire life and now that they are getting older, have slowed down. However, for senior citizens, exercising does not have to be something that you dread. It can be an enjoyable and beneficial experience.
The key to exercising is getting started. Senior citizens should devise a plan to get started with a reasonable workout routine. Depending on your interest, select an activity that will work for you, and that you will also enjoy. For example, if you like swimming, make a plan to start swimming every day. But at first just do some easy laps to get your cardiovascular system used the activity. Over time continue swimming but increase the distance and increase your speed. This will allow your body to get used to the added stress.
But swimming is not the only activity that will assist in giving a good physical or mental workout. There are dozens of other great exercise routines that can be started at a moderate level and increase in intensity as time goes by. Some of the exercises include:
- Walking – A nice even pace will help give you a nice overall workout.
- Bike Riding – If you are physically able to ride a bike, it can be a great cardio workout.
- Yoga – One of the biggest problems with older adults is lack of flexibility. Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility.
- Aerobics – A trained aerobics instructor should help guide into a class that is aimed at your ability. Even a first-time senior should be able to do some basic aerobics.
- Golf – Even if you use a golf cart to go around the course, the amount of walking can be helpful and swinging a golf club can help keep you limber.
No matter what exercise you select, it is important to try and stretch before your workout, and to properly cool down after. And as a reminder, you should check with your doctor to ensure that you can safely participate.