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Fitness Tips for Seniors

by AgingandDisability

Exercising past the age of 50 has definite benefits, but risks as well. Here are a few fitness tips for seniors to make sure you are getting the most out of your workouts.

What is it that firefighters are always telling young kids? Remember, safety first. No matter what you do as far as physical activity, it is important to be safe. Here are a few fitness tips for seniors to make sure you are getting the most out of your workouts without risking injury.

Why is it that we want to go reach our goals in a week when it took a year, or a lifetime, to get out of shape? If you've been living a sedentary lifestyle for a while, starting an exercise program too fast can spell disaster. You may get injured and decide you don't want to get fit anymore. Your health would suffer as a result.

Fitness Tips For 50+

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Your Physical Activity Level

Research the physical activity first. Find out what you need and what is required of you for the exercise so you know what to expect. Let's say that you wanted to try rock climbing. Well, you can climb as a senior, that's not the problem. It does require a lot of upper body strength. If you have a problem with your joints or your neck or a weak upper body, you are going to have more than a few challenges. You will need some expert advice on how to proceed.

Wear the appropriate gear. Your performance in any activity is greatly enhanced when you come prepared. Bicycling is easier when you have a seat that is comfortable. Some people like to use bicycle clips on their pedals to keep their feet from slipping. If you bike at night, wearing a reflective jacket and/or reflectors on your bike can help cars to see you. A helmet is mandatory in most instances.

 

Know Your Limits

Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated makes all the difference especially when you exercise in hot weather. You are losing electrolytes and water through your sweat. It is important to replenish them to keep from cramping and to help increase your endurance.

Many older people haven't learned the importance of drinking a lot of water during exercise. The common practice of carrying water around at all times is a new phenomenon. Water not only replenishes your muscles and tissue, it replenishes your brain and keeps you alert.

Know your body. If you begin to get dizzy performing an exercise or feel any pain whatsoever, take a break. It could be that you are winded or going at it too hard. There's no shame in slowing down. You want to be able to get up and exercise again the next day. The best judge of what you can and can't handle is your own body.

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Avoid Injury

Learn to perform your exercises properly. This is especially important with strength training. When you don't know proper technique it can lead to injury. You may want to work with a physical trainer until you know the routine well and can do it without assistance.

The benefits of physical activity is a strong, healthy body. An injury caused by improper techniques or careless preparation will set you back and discourage you. Don't let this happen. Prepare yourself and enjoy your new fitness

Updated: 11/25/2022, AgingandDisability
 
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AgingandDisability on 10/08/2022

I would think that would be ok, but other beverages won't take the place of water.

DerdriuMarriner on 10/07/2022

Your subheading Know your limits identifies drinking water and staying hydrated as priorities.

Would it matter whether the water is "ordinary" drinking water or some energizing water with supplements or a tasty sparkling water?

yourbodychanging on 10/11/2015

Hi my friend! I wish to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include almost all significant infos. I'd like to peer extra posts like this .

Seelyon on 06/21/2015

I'm always encouraging my mum to be more active as she gets on in age, She definitely finds that a mixture of yoga and walking suit her best. I always hear good things about gentle swimming as well.

Seelyon on 06/21/2015

I'm always encouraging my mum to be more active as she gets on in age, She definitely finds that a mixture of yoga and walking suit her best. I always hear good things about gentle swimming as well.

AgingandDisability on 09/17/2014

@Tina I love to walk too. It's free!

AgingandDisability on 09/17/2014

@ashutosh Glad you find it helpful!

Tina on 09/17/2014

I stay fit by walking. I walk Abbie 6 times a week, for about 20 minutes each morning. (Abbie is a black lab-beagle mix). I find walking to be the best exercise for me, and I'm almost 60.

ashutosh on 09/17/2014

I am definitely gonna share this with Thank you for sharing.

AgingandDisability on 09/17/2014

@RuthCox So sorry to hear about your little dog. I started to volunteer at my local animal shelter by walking the dogs. They love it and so do I. Take it slow and you'll get there.

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