As you age, you'll naturally start to lose strength, flexibility and balance. To combat this, it's important to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Moderate-intensity physical activity can make it easier and safer to get around and complete your daily tasks and responsibilities. Luckily, wherever you are in your fitness journey, several activities and exercises for seniors can be done at the gym to reach these goals.
Staying active is important — especially if you are a senior. Even if you haven't worked out in several years, starting an exercise regimen at any age will be beneficial. Regular exercise helps build stamina while strengthening your muscles and bones. It also improves your mobility, making it easier for you to move around independently.
The benefits of working out aren't just physical, though. Exercising can boost cognitive function and brain health, and it can even reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or dementia. When you work out, you'll feel better and have more energy to get through the day.
You'll also reap social benefits when working out in a gym. Being around others can help boost your mood and confidence. In group classes, you'll have the opportunity to make new friends and become workout buddies with others on a similar fitness journey.
It's recommended that seniors spend at least 2.5 hours (150) minutes per week performing moderate-intensity exercises. There are several types of exercises and activities you can incorporate into your weekly workout sessions:
Whatever kind of workout regimen you're interested in, there are a few things to keep in mind so you stay safe. Especially if you haven't worked out in a while, it's best to schedule an appointment with your physician so they can provide you with professional guidance. Depending on factors like your medical history or current health, some exercises may be better than others.
Once you are cleared to start working out, don't forget about the importance of a proper warmup and cooldown. Because older adults are more susceptible to injuries, you want to make sure your body is sufficiently warmed up before you start exercising. Start off with lower-intensity exercises and slowly build on those, incorporating a variety of activities and movements into your regimen.
Additionally, remember to listen to your body. Some days, you may need to adapt your exercises or switch up the type of activity you had planned, and that's perfectly fine. Physical fitness is a journey, and following an age-appropriate routine can look different from one day to the next.
Whether you're interested in enrolling in athletic-based exercise classes or moving to the music in a line dancing class, many resources are available in gyms to support you throughout your journey. A gym membership gives you access to fitness trainers with experience in senior fitness. You'll receive expert guidance on safely improving your strength, flexibility and balance.
You'll also be able to embrace a new community each time you attend a workout class. Other members can provide you with encouragement, guidance and motivation to stick with your new regimen. Seeing other older adults succeed and reach their fitness goals can be a powerful motivator.
At Spooky Nook Sports, our family-friendly fitness center offers something for everyone, including special programs for adults aged 50 and up. We believe that everyone should be able to reap the physical, mental and social benefits of exercising, which is why we've created specialized classes for seniors.
These classes are tailored to the unique needs of seniors and are designed to get you moving while having fun. Our group exercise classes include:
Whichever one you choose, you'll be able to enjoy a healthier lifestyle, friendships and new experiences. Give us a call at 717-945-7087 or reach out online today if you're interested in becoming a member and enrolling in our specialized classes for seniors.
Staying fit has many advantages. For older adults, adding certain exercise activities into your routine is especially beneficial. From warmups to swimming, pilates and other activities, you can try mild-impact exercises to add variety and fun.
A swimming routine is one of the best exercises for seniors. It can be relatively low-impact while engaging various muscle groups. Swimming also assists in enhancing endurance levels, improving the cardiovascular system and strengthening the heart.
Yoga is another low-impact exercise you can do on its own or add to your warmups and cool-downs. With yoga, you can try gentler, slower routines that do a great job of gently stretching your muscles. It can help keep your joints limber and reduce joint pain, inflammation and stiffness.
One of the more cardiovascular gym workouts for seniors, indoor cycling can be an energizing addition if you keep the session mild. Pay attention to the heart zone and the intensity levels to keep them from getting too high.
Dancing while holding light dumbbells can serve as valuable strength training for seniors. It's fun solo or in a group, especially with your favorite music. If you keep it at a good pace, it's also an excellent cardiovascular activity.
With tai chi, you use your body and mind to focus, relax and move. Shifting your body's weight while focusing your mind can improve muscle strength in your legs, help prevent falls and enhance your balance. Tai chi also engages your core, improving stability.
If you're looking for an exercise activity that can help you maintain overall flexibility, pilates is worth trying. During this gentle yet rewarding workout, you'll enjoy stretching, breathing and balance exercises, which are all highly beneficial. These activities can help you feel stronger and more stable and may promote a better posture.
From relaxing routines to more energizing activities, the best exercises for seniors are the ones that make you feel comfortable. At Spooky Nook Sports, we have several exercise activities for you to choose from. Our programs for older adults encourage social interaction, friendships and a healthy, active lifestyle.
Find out more today by calling us at 717-925-3080 or completing our online contact form.