Getting older can come with some unpleasant changes like stiffness, feeling more tired, and increased risk of health problems. Sometimes it seems challenges like these mean you shouldn’t work out. But the truth is, exercise is important. Exercises for seniors can decrease your risk of disease and improve the way your body feels, even if you have chronic conditions.
Benefits of Exercises for Seniors
There are a ton of great benefits that can result from exercises for seniors. Some of the physical benefits include:
- Reduced side effects of chronic conditions like arthritis or diabetes
- Lower risk of certain diseases
- Stronger tissues and muscles (which helps protect joints)
- Better blood pressure, lung function, and heart health
- Stronger immune system
- Sharper memory and cognitive function
Besides these physical benefits, exercise is also proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-confidence. Plus, exercise can be really fun and even social.
Goals for Senior Workouts
Being able to bench press 200 pounds isn't on most seniors' bucket lists. For many seniors, exercise goals include:
- Increasing coordination, agility, flexibility and balance
- Reducing stiffness and joint pain
- Maintaining or building endurance
- Keeping the heart active
- Losing weight
- Maintaining their independence or not needing assistance for everyday living
- Improving mood, confidence
To meet these healthy senior workout goals, seniors will benefit from some types of exercise over others.
The Best Types of Senior Workouts
Intense weight-lifting and high-impact, explosive exercises can be harmful to seniors. This is partly due to the fact that seniors joints, bones, and muscles are more prone to injury. To avoid potential injury and meet the common workout goals of seniors, it's best to try workouts like:
Cardio/Endurance Exercises
- Walking
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Dancing
Weight/Resistance Training
- Bodyweight exercises
- Using resistance bands instead of free weights
- Weighted moves while sitting or lying down
Stretching/Flexibility Moves
- Yoga
- Pilates
Why a Gym Membership is Smart
Since certain types of exercise (and common workout mistakes) can be especially bad for seniors, it's best for seniors to work out in a gym. Through a gym membership at Gold's, seniors can participate in personal training or small group training. That means seniors will have expert support in adapting, assessing, and choosing the best exercises for their needs.
Other reasons a gym membership is smart for seniors include that:
- Gyms are a great place to socialize
- The gym will have different types of equipment (including adaptive options)
- There are classes so seniors don't have to create their own workouts
- A positive, encouraging atmosphere can make exercise more appealing
Ready to start a low-impact stretching routine to increase flexibility and de-stress? Try this FREE yoga transformation guide.
Gold’s Gym SoCal is an association of separate clubs—click here for info.
