Friday, July 26, 2024

Fitness Friday - Seniors And Exercise -Keeping Fit

 

Benefits of workouts for seniors

Listed are some of the best forms of exercise for older adults Also some exercises that could be harmful to seniors’ and their health.

 Exercises can improve stability and improve balance for seniors. One in four adults over the age of 65 will fall, and those falls can either be fatal. Regular exercise can reduce falling by 23 %. Regular exercise gives you more energy, improved brain functions, and promotes better sleep overall. 

Exercise can also help with diseases, such as, Heart disease, depression, osteoporosis, and diabetes, all of which are often deadly.


So, what exercises are good for seniors? Here are some of the best ones for you to try.

  1. Pilates - Builds strength, improves balance, develops core strength, and increases flexibility overall.
  2. Chair Exercises - Strengthens muscles, increases coordination, and is good for posture, circulation, and flexibility.
  3. Strength training - stimulates muscle growth and strengths bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
  4. Cycling - improves cardiovascular health, increases muscle strength, and enhances flexibility and balance,
  5. Walking - The least stressful while strengthening muscles, lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and what most people don't know is even colon cancer.
  6. Swimming - improves cardiovascular health, and provides a full body work-out.
  7. water Aerobics - improves cardiovascular health, is easy on the joints, and warm water from a pool soothes tired, achy, muscles and joints.

Which exercises should you avoid?

  • Abdominal crunches
  • Bench press
  • High-intensity interval training
  • Long-distance running
  • Rock climbing
  • Squats with dumbbells or weights

 

All seniors, no matter the age or fitness level, should maintain some form of exercise for a healthier lifestyle and better living. Just start slow and increase at a slower rate, over time. And always make sure to check with your doctor before starting any fitness regime. Those with fibromyalgia, with an umbilical Hernia or other forms of disability should always contact a doctor before beginning any exercise, as even some of the simplest exercises can be harmful to you.

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