4 Ways to Stay Fit as a Senior
According to Science Daily, exercise allows seniors to maintain their cognitive skills. It also helps seniors to maintain mobility and energy levels. In order to stay fit, however, it’s necessary to take certain precautions and make some changes that will ensure you stay well informed and motivated. Let’s see how you can stay fit.
1. See a Doctor Beforehand
A combination of exercises focusing on stretching, balance, and cardio can keep your range of movement, prevent accidents, and even reduce the fatigue you feel during activity. However, starting a routine without proper physician advice could be more damaging than helpful.
It’s highly recommended that you visit your doctor before you start a new routine, and do a full check-up. With all of your up-to-date health information handy, your doctor will be able to inform you about not just what exercises you can do, but what you should be focusing on in order to maximize your fitness.
2. Get the Proper Sneakers
Exercises like walking and golfing are excellent activities for staying healthy. However, even low-impact activities like these can have a long-term effect on our joints, if we repeat them daily.
While there are plenty of sneakers that use technology to offer speed boosts, seniors should try to find a pair that puts safety first. VeryWellFit has explored this idea in some detail and recommends that seniors find walking or running shoes with rounded toes, different sizes according to width, and light but soft cushioning. Shoes that fit this general description will typically be poised to accommodate some of the changes that occur in your feet as you get older (widening, loss of natural cushioning, etc.).
3. Follow a Virtual Fitness Class
Starting an exercise routine can have positive effects on both physical and mental well-being. However, it can be easier said than done for a lot of seniors who may be limited in their options. One solution that’s particularly popular, however, is to join a virtual fitness class that affords you more flexibility to maintain your participation.
According to KelseyCare Advantage, many seniors will have access to these sorts of classes already through a program called “Silver Sneakers” that is attached to Medicare Advantage plans. The program offers multiple live activities led by professional trainers, as well as access to hundreds of instructional videos on nutrition and workout routines. It also comes with an app that allows the user to schedule activities and provide reminders.
4. Find the Right Company
If you are able to work out regularly in person, it’s a good idea to establish a routine with a group! According to data discussed by NBC News, people who exercise in groups are more likely to complete their routines and programs. Similar studies concerning seniors specifically have yielded similar findings.
Exercising with a friend (or friends) also has the advantage of providing an extra level of protection in case of injury. It’s easy enough to underestimate the probability of accidents due to getting dizzy, or just stumbling upon an unseen obstacle. Having a partner can reduce the chance of this happening.
Take these stay fit tips to heart, and you’ll be on your way toward a healthy and productive fitness routine.