| So many exercise books, video training, and | | | | Swimming and walking offer good low impact |
| exercise programs out there make me think that | | | | alternatives for seniors because these activities |
| most exercise gurus believe all people are | | | | exercise the muscles without adding undue stress |
| somewhat physically fit and in their mid-twenties, | | | | at the joints, and they can be as gentle or as |
| but, obviously, some of us are on the opposite | | | | strenuous as you wish to make them. I, |
| end of the spectrum. And, ironically, those of us | | | | personally unlike many, don't care much for either |
| called "seniors" may find exercise more beneficial | | | | of those alternatives, so I enlisted the help of a |
| than most. So, why do I want to exercise in my | | | | personal trainer to show me some things that I |
| sixties? I want my aging body in the best shape I | | | | could incorporate into my daily activities such as |
| can get it in, without strenuous exercise, so that I | | | | alternating between tapping my toes and raising |
| can be mobile and act as young as I feel. | | | | my heels while I sit at my computer writing, |
| Exercise not only serves to loosen the joints and | | | | squatting a few extra times when I go to pick up |
| warm the body up, which may keep ailments | | | | my basket of laundry, and vacuuming with both |
| such as arthritis temporarily at bay, but also, by | | | | arms equally not all with my dominant arm only, |
| keeping us active, keeps us able to function | | | | etc. Those changes in my daily routine work for |
| normally and get around longer. After the age of | | | | me, and I don't have to take special time to |
| 45, a person loses 1% of muscle mass per year, | | | | exercise. Consider your lifestyle and preferences |
| due in large part to a lifestyle that doesn't include | | | | and tailor your exercise plans to your long-term |
| exercise. The age of our muscles, especially if | | | | needs, the shape you are in currently, and how |
| fairly out of shape, also means that they are not | | | | you are feeling from day-to-day. |
| as supple or flexible as they used to be and, as a | | | | Most seniors only need thirty minutes of exercise |
| result, will cause pain if an aggressive exercise | | | | 4-5 days a week, but there is no generic amount |
| attempt is made, which in turn encourages the | | | | that applies to everyone. Thirty minutes or an |
| senior like myself to stop exercising. It is an | | | | hour every day may be good for some seniors in |
| unending vicious circle that can potentially take | | | | better shape who have always been active; five |
| away an individual's freedom of movement. | | | | minutes a day may work better, at least for |
| Exercise can, therefore, work wonders for a | | | | starters, for those who are beginners to exercise. |
| senior. | | | | You know your capabilities better than anyone |
| So, low impact activities, those that don't jar the | | | | else and should decide what form your exercise |
| bones, joints, and muscles and won't put too | | | | plan should take based on your own |
| much strain on the body, should probably be most | | | | self-knowledge. Even if you choose not to |
| senior's goal. Low impact exercise will help maintain | | | | exercise every day, you should at least walk |
| your strength, flexibility and endurance, as well as | | | | around the house or around the mall a few times |
| enhance your body's ability to fight off disease | | | | a week just to stay mobile. Don't give up your |
| and disability. Every person, young or old, should | | | | freedom to immobility if a little exercise will save |
| find an exercise regime that suits them and | | | | it. Some is better than none, so don't give up. |
| incorporate it into their day along with any other | | | | The main thing to remember is, when undertaking |
| forms of physical activity that they enjoy. Older | | | | physical activity, be sensible, and this is probably |
| people should never be afraid to exercise: it won't | | | | true for all age groups. Don't push yourself too |
| make your ailments any worse than they already | | | | hard without first building up your stamina and |
| are unless you push yourself too hard, and it can | | | | endurance, and don't add activities that you never |
| actually help you overcome the physical limitations | | | | liked in the first place--you just won't stick with |
| of many ailments. | | | | the program. |