Exercise for Elders Ц Choosing the Right Activity for You

Articles on Exercise | Topics: exercise, exercises, exercising

by Hallie Daugherty

The idea of exercise being a beneficial part of a healthy life has been around for some time, but only recently has that advice been offered to the aging population as well as the young population. In recent times, information has been presented to demonstrate that exercise is helpful to people of all ages and people with many different health needs. Creating and sticking with an exercise routine can help to stop or prevent a number of different health problems. Moreover, even a little exercise or activity can help aging seniors manage their health conditions. Seniors require four different types of exercise to stay healthy.

Strength exercises help to tone and build muscle tissue which in turn can help metabolic rates. Balance exercises help to build strength in the legs which can assist with the prevention of falls and other loss of balance issues. This can prevent a number of disabling injuries for seniors. Stretching exercises help to maintain the range of flexibility which can lead to a more active lifestyle. Endurance exercises raise the heart rate and breathing for a long period of time. Activities like jogging, walking, and swimming fit in this category. The most important part of incorporating exercise into life is choosing the right activity for you.

When you decide to begin choosing the appropriate exercise program for yourself, you must decide what you like to do best. If you have a personality type who enjoys the company of others in a team atmosphere, choose a team sport at a health club. If you prefer to be alone while exercising, consider solitary activities you might enjoy. You may love walking and hiking, but hate jogging. You may hate swimming but love biking. The important thing to remember is that any type of exercise can be tailored to fit your needs.

аQuote of the Day

There is not enough exercise in this way of life. I try to make up by active gymnastics before I dress when I get up, by walking rapidly in the lower hall and the greenhouse after each meal for perhaps five to ten minutes, and a good hand rubbing before going to bed. I eat moderately; drink one cup of coffee at breakfast and one cup of tea at lunch and no other stimulant. My health is now, and usually, excellent.

—Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)

If, in your younger days, you enjoyed riding a bicycle, but you can't get on a bike now, consider purchasing a recumbent bike and watching movies while you exercise. The most important thing to remember is just to engage in the activity you enjoy as often as possible. You could follow the same routine each day or vary it from day to day. You may decide to ride a stationary bike for fifteen minutes then engage in some gardening for a while. This variation not only ensures that you are meeting all of your exercise needs; it also makes the process more interesting. A gym facility is a good idea for folks who enjoy working out with other people is a social atmosphere. It is, however, not necessary. If you are unable to afford it, don't wait until you have the money to join a health club to begin exercise. Working out should not necessarily involve high priced clothing or toys. Exercise, at its very core, involves simple self-discipline.

Walking is a good choice for most people for a number of reasons. One reason it is so popular is that it requires little in the way of preparation. No gadgets or expensive clothing are required. A sturdy pair of walking shoes will take you a long way to meeting your exercise goals. If you decide to shop for walking shoes, do it at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. You should also try them on and test them out in the store before you purchase them. If they feel uncomfortable in the store, don't take them home with the belief that you'll get used to them. It will only increase your level of soreness. Additionally, there is a very low risk of injury associated with walking. It is relatively harmless on the joints as one foot is always on the ground. Therefore, when the other foot strikes the ground, it carries little more than a person's total body weight with it. Another benefit to walking is that it can be done anywhere. You can walk in the comfort of a shopping mall, a local high school track, or a nature trail. Wherever you decide to walk, though, be sure you have your personal safety in mind. Walking can reduce stress by refreshing your brain and increasing your energy level. If you decide to walk, try to walk at a pace you can maintain for the entirety of the walk. Slow down if you feel any type of pain or any shortness of breath.

Whatever exercise program you choose, be sure to include a warm up period and a cool down session in your exercise routine. Stretching your arms and legs will increase your level of flexibility and decrease your level of soreness.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Exercise for Elders Ц Choosing the Right Activity for You" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by HealthExerciseSports.com.

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