Nearly everyone's daily health, including seniors, benefits from exercise. Exercise can contribute to a longer, healthier life for older adults. Specializing in senior fitness is one of the best and most rewarding fitness careers for people who want to motivate others and improve the lives of those you work with!
Seniors can reap a variety of advantages from exercise, including:
- You become stronger as a result. This keeps you self-sufficient.
- It makes your equilibrium better. This helps to avoid falls.
- It increases your energy.
- Diseases like heart disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis are prevented or delayed.
- It can lift your spirits and keep you motivated.
The majority of people over 65 can exercise without as much risk with the help of senior fitness instructors. Even with the prevalence of chronic illness, patients can safely exercise. Some of these illnesses are heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. Exercise helps many of these conditions get better. Consult your doctor if you are unsure about whether exercise is safe for you or if you are not currently active.
A Way To Better Health
It is essential to utilize a broad fitness approach when training seniors. Unlike performance-based or sport-specific training, senior fitness is about quality of life - not just one aspect of fitness.
Cardio - Your breathing and pulse rate rise when you are doing endurance exercises. It makes your heart, lungs, and circulatory system healthier. Examples of this type of exercise include:
- Walking
- Jogging\Dancing
- Swimming
- Biking\Tennis\Basketball
- Climbing slopes or stairs
Strength - Strengthens your muscles. Includes:
- Resistance training with weights
- Resistance training with bands
- Bodyweight exercises (push-ups, sit-ups)
Balance - Aids in avoiding falls. Includes:
- Putting one foot forward
- Heel-to-toe gait
- Yoga or tai chi
Flexibility - Helps you move more freely by stretching your muscles and keeping you limber. Includes:
- Stretching
- Yoga
How Frequently Should You Work Out As A Senior?
Seniors who are 65 and older should engage in at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) every week. That comes out to around 30 minutes on most days of the week. Also, seniors should engage in resistance training. Strength training should be done at least twice a week. Balance and flexibility are something you can practice daily.
When Should I Warm Up For Exercise?
Before working out, warm up for at least five minutes. After your workout, you should try again for at least five minutes to cool down. In warmer climates, cooling down takes longer.
Safety Advice
Dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothing and sturdy shoes. The heels of your shoes should be raised and cushioned to help with shock absorption. Make sure the shoes are designed for the kind of exercise you'll be doing in them. For example, shoes are made specifically for walking, jogging, tennis, or dancing.
Start slowly if you aren't already active. Start with workouts you are already accustomed to doing. It is less likely that you may hurt yourself if you start gently. Additionally, starting gently helps avoid soreness.
Even if you don't feel thirsty, drink water before, during, and after the activity.
Conclusion
You may have overexerted yourself if your muscles or joints feel sore the day after working out. Over time, your body will become used to it, but if the ache is unbearable, you should reduce your intensity.
If you’re someone who would love to help other seniors with your knowledge, you first need to get certified. Then, you can start improving the quality of life of others, while earning a living for yourself. It's a rewarding specialty and a true win-win.
