Top Fitness Tips For Seniors

As you get older, it can become increasingly difficult to get fit or stay fit. As we age, our energy levels typically decrease and the pains and aches that come with age, also increase. This usually causes most seniors to drastically decrease or completely stop any fitness related activities, which only have more detrimental effects on their health and well being. In order to live a healthy and high quality life, it is essential to keep fit through physical activity a few times per week. Therefore, in this article we will be looking at a few ways that seniors can keep fit, while also taking their aging condition into consideration.

First of all, one of the easiest activities a senior can do a few times per week is to go walking or jogging. Walking comes naturally to just about everyone and if you walk at least 30 minutes per day, it can go a long way to helping you keep fit. Walking actually burns a respectable amount of calories that varies according to gender, weight and height. However, you can definitely burn a few hundred calories through walking every day. Best of all, you don’t need any special equipment or even a gym membership since you can simply go walking around your neighborhood, in a park or even on a beach. This is my number one favorite fitness activity for seniors since it involves the least hassle and stress, and gets the job done.

Another excellent fitness tip for seniors is that instead of sitting at home all day, they can simply call up some of their friends and go for hikes or even start a sporting activity together. There are actually numerous senior sports groups such as senior football and senior tennis in most neighborhoods. If one doesn’t already exist, you can start one! Many people find it difficult to exercise by themselves, so this is a great way to get exercise with your friends and do so in a way that is fun and exciting. You will have so much fun playing that you will forget that you are actually getting fitter and burning calories!

Next, another great tip is to get your own personal trainer. There are many personal trainers that specialize in senior fitness and can cater workouts that are specific to you and your needs while taking into consideration your limitations. If you think you’re too sick to exercise, then you’d be wrong! Even if you may have limited mobility or are unable to do certain exercises, a certified trainer will be able to create a program that works around these and ensure you get a great workout while staying safe. This is a highly recommended option if you have certain disabilities since your trainer will be able to assist you throughout the exercises and ensure that you are safe 100% of the time.

If you cannot afford a trainer, then you could purchase a few home dvd fitness programs and exercise in the comfort of your own home. There are many different types of fitness dvds available on the market and I am certain that you will be able to find one that will suit your needs and help you get fit in a matter of months. Of course, you should definitely look for a program that is low impact and there are many great yoga type dvds that will give you a great calorie burn without being hard on your joints.

This leads me to my next suggestion that yoga and tai chi are some of the best activities for seniors that can definitely help to get you in shape. Yoga focuses on a variety of stretches and poses and tai chi is a very calming martial art that can help to strengthen your muscles and improve your endurance over time. It is usually very easy to find a yoga or tai chi class in most cities and you can simply check the directory or search online to find a school near you.

In addition to finding great ways to exercise, it is essential to keep your diet in check in order to increase your fitness levels. Exercise is only part of the equation since you can never out exercise a bad diet. Therefore, you should always make sure to eat lots of vegetables, fruits and lean meats. As a senior you should also take vitamins, minerals and joint supplements that have been recommended by a doctor. You should definitely make it a habit to see your doctor regularly for check ups to ensure that you are fit and healthy and that your fitness plan is working. Once you follow the above tips and suggestions, I’m positive that you will see and feel a huge difference in your body and energy levels over time.