Training Fitness for Seniors

There is no doubt your body changes as you age. Some believe you can control everything in your body if you eat healthy and exercise. I wish that were true! Maintaining physical fitness and a healthy body weight can lessen the deleterious effects of aging.

One of the reasons we gain weight as we age is lack of physical activity. There are things out of our control, like hormones, certain diseases, injuries etc. Exercise can help your body in many positive ways.

Exercise is particularly beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Heart disease is the leading source of mortality in older adults. Try taking a walk each day. You will burn calories, get fresh air (if outdoors), exercise your muscles, exercise your heart, exercise your joints and ligaments etc.

Increasing your physical activity can make you stronger. When you strengthen your muscles, you strengthen your bones too. The risk of falls and frailty is reduced when one has strong muscles, strong bones and good flexibility. Fractures, especially in the hip, can seriously affect the quality of life. These fractures can sometimes lead to a loss of independent living.

Find a trainer that is educated in the field to work with seniors. Always tell your personal trainer all the medications you are taking and any medical concerns you have. A good trainer will have the knowledge and/or get in contact with your doctor to confirm or learn anything needed. It is very important for your safety and your exercise results.

Our bodies were created for movement. There are no rules in life stating that we must be still as we age. No way! We must move!