Benefits of Working Out for the Elderly
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How to Get Started
More and more people over age 50 are starting to realize the benefits of joining their local gyms. New studies being conducted show that even a moderate exercise program can help seniors in the followi
INCREASED ENERGY- Of course, many seniors don’t have the level of energy they had when they were younger, but regular exercise can help to relieve fatigue.
PAIN REDUCTION- Having a healthier body can be a key in reducing levels of pain.
INCREASE IN CONFIDENCE- Starting an exercise program at your local gym, and sticking with it, will do wonders for your frame of mind. Building confidence in this way can carry over to other facets of your lives.
IMPROVING POSTURE- If bone disease is absent in an individual, regular workouts can help build a stronger body, resistant to the “slumping posture problems” prevalent in many senior citizens.
INCREASED FLEXIBILITY- The stretching involved in these workouts will help keep muscles loose.
IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH- If your body feels better, your mind benefits greatly. Workouts can help deter loneliness, depression, and other fears associated with aging.
GREATER PHYSICAL STRENGTH- It is not necessary to become a body builder, but if a senior can increase his or her physical strength, it can enhance their quality of life.
How to get started
See your physician and let them know your plans and goals. Make sure that they are aware that you plan to exercise on a regular basis to improve your health. If they have any concerns, they will express them.
Take a tour of the gym you plan to join. If it is local, the convenience of being able to hop in the car and drive a few minutes will be an added plus. The staff at the gym will be more than happy to show you around. As a precaution, ask them if they are CPR certified. Find out what it costs to join for a month. After 30 days, evaluate your progress and commitment to your program. If you wish to continue, ask them what the rates are for long term membership. The yearly rate will result in considerable savings for you over the monthly rate.
- Improved flexibility is just one of the benefits of working out.
- Seniors need not be intimidated by the various machines in a gym.
- Gym staff will be happy to show you how everything works.