Getting Stronger is a Key to Health for Seniors
Anti-Aging, AUTHORS, Exercise & Fitness, Janet Shapan, SENIOR HEALTH, Sports for Seniors |
Keeping Fit!
by Janet Shapan
In case you haven’t noticed, if you take an aging body and don’t get any exercise, your muscles become weak and you notice a real measurable loss of strength. Even the little things like bending down to pick something up or carrying the vacuum to the next room or taking the lid off a bottle can become challenges.
This loss of strength is not caused by old age. Loss of strength is a guaranteed when you don’t exercise. There are numerous exercise choices you can make. But make one and get started. Most fitness trainers recommend strength training as a good first step to ensure balance and mobility and minimize any muscle related problems.
Due to living patterns, every person tends to use certain muscles over and over while using other muscles very little. Therefore, it is good to think about strength training the muscles that you use very infrequently and have lost measurable strength over time.
Now you may think to yourself that if you begin to exercise you may increase the pain that you already feel in your muscles and joints. Banish this thought. Muscles and joint problems won’t just go away and doing no exercise will likely cause even more muscle and joint problems in the long run.
Seniors that have continuous pain in their joints and muscles and find it hard to even do normal movements often shy away from muscle building. They just hope that their pain and joint problems will somehow get resolved on their own. In time, inactivity reigns and the pain and problems remain.
Strength training is a proven solution to movement and muscle problems among seniors. The exercises are simple, requiring only basic movements that can be done in your own home or a gym if desired.
In the beginning you may feel that some movements or exercises are just not possible but don’t give up hope. Trainers have developed a variety of exercise routines that can be done standing, sitting or lying down and deliver results. In extreme cases you can go to a heated pool as the first step in the process of getting stronger.
If you are starting a program without assistance, consult your doctor first and get suggestions, recommendations and activities to avoid. Above all, any exercise should be enjoyable. Just show up on a consistent basis and do something that works for you. You will begin to see results and confidence.
As you move forward, break up routines. Trying new types of exercise challenges new muscles, demands new forms of balance and keeps you mentally engaged.
For some seniors the notion of creating a personal exercise program is a daunting task. If this is the case, a good first step is to meet with a fitness trainer who is qualified to help you develop a suitable program. Meeting with a trainer may only require a session or two and you are on your way.
Like anything in life there are good trainers and there are poor ones. Finding a qualified trainer is essential. Keep these points in mind.
- Good trainers are certified. Look for National Academy of Sports Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association
- More often than not, good trainers also have college degrees in sports medicine, health, training and fitness management
- Call your local gym and seek a recommendation
- You don’t want a novice; Look for someone with meaningful experience working with seniors
- Ask questions; Learn about the exercises the trainer recommends; where will the training take place; how long the sessions will last; and fees for services
- Ask for and call references;
Getting older doesn’t mean you must surrender many of the physical activities you have always enjoyed. You can get stronger and this strength will bring confidence and a refreshed view of life and the opportunities it can offer.
For information on health and anti-aging, we recommend visting: www.healthcreatesbeauty.com
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