Senior exercise: what is recommended
As you age, it is more important than ever to maintain your levels of fitness so that you can fully enjoy your golden years in good health.
It is important to note that you will not likely be able to exercise in the same way that you did when you were younger. Read on for our tips to ensure that your senior exercise routine is both safe and effective.
Check with Your Doctor
Before you begin any exercise program, it is important to check with your primary care physician. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your current physical state and help guide you in choosing an appropriate exercise regimen for your current health and fitness level. It is important to be completely honest with your doctor about any symptoms you may be experiencing. This will better enable your doctor to give you the best possible recommendations for your health.
Listen to Your Body
While you are working out, pay attention to the signals your body is sending you. If you are feeling any pain, it is usually a good idea to ease up a bit on your workouts. As you get older, your body isn't able to heal itself as quickly as it used to be able to, so you'll want to do your best to avoid any injuries. You are the best judge of what your body can handle, so don't ignore any warning signs that injury may be on the horizon. Don't be afraid to back off when needed. It is better to take a break than to sideline yourself with a serious injury.
Focus on Proper Form
When you were younger, your fitness goals may have included constantly striving to push and challenge yourself with heavier weights and more strenuous exercises. However, this strategy may not be the best when you are older. Instead, being a senior you should keep your attention on performing exercises correctly, avoiding injuries. If you are unsure, don't hesitate to ask someone more experienced before trying. You'll always find the support you need at your Club, be it in class or in personal training.
Start off Slowly
When you first begin a new exercise program, try to resist the urge to jump in too quickly. Start out with simple, easy exercises and work your way up to the more challenging stuff. Trying to accelerate your fitness efforts too quickly can often result in injury, which will set you back in a snap. Simple exercises will enable you to jump-start your fitness routine and build up strength in your muscles. When you are confident in the basics, you are ready to move on to more strenuous workouts.
Practice Body Weight Exercises
Rather than jumping straight into using weights and machines, it is a good idea to start off with body weight exercises. This way, you can ease your body into working out without putting undue strain on your muscles, bones and joints. As you begin to build up your fitness levels and get stronger, you can begin incorporating more challenging exercises for the senior and non-senior. If you need suggestions on which exercises to start with, consult with your doctor or a personal trainer who can tailor a fitness plan specific to your unique needs and goals.
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