Exercising and regular physical activity are vital for your health and fitness. That’s why we should all start working out in our teenage years, if not sooner, so we can develop healthy habits that’ll follow us even to our golden years.
Staying in shape when you become a senior is essential to make your bones less fragile and your muscles and joints safe, so you can do your everyday activities easily and for years to come.
If you’ve been lacking inspiration or motivation for working out, this little guide will get you back on track in no time.
Get Started
Before you begin your exercise routine, it’s vital that you consult with your physician first.
The doctor will give you medical clearance to exercise and offer personal advice, as well as what you should and shouldn’t include into your workout routine, depending on your overall health.
If you haven’t exercised in years, try not to start too strong, and save some enthusiasm for later. If you overdo it on your first training, you risk getting injured, which will prevent you from exercising for weeks, maybe even longer if you hurt yourself a lot.
Hire A Pro
Having access to some of Australia’s best trained senior fitness professionals will ensure each workout routine meets your needs and interests, making the exercises challenging but fun and with plenty of varied activities.
A trained professional will know how to create a program that will include stretching and balance activity, strength training and cardiovascular work, taking into account your interests.
Do It Anytime, Anywhere
Once you’re retired, you’ll have free time in abundance, which will allow you to exercise anytime anywhere.
Be it in some of Australia’s beautiful parks, where you’ll walk or ride a bike, or maybe in Mark Moran Vaucluse facilities for retirement living if you chose to move there, you’ll have all the time of the world do dedicate to exercising.
However, if you’re not so fond of working out, you’ll need a few motivation tips to push you forward. Have you planned on going shopping with your grandchildren this week?
Window shopping while walking laps at the mall is the perfect opportunity to fill your daily workout quota.
Bring your friend to a walking session or a strength training, and catch up while breaking a sweat, instead of sipping coffee and sitting on your couch. Use the treadmill while watching your favourite TV show.
Strength Training
Strength training is one of the best workouts for seniors, so make sure you lift weights at least 2 non-consecutive days a week. Use dumbbells, machines and resistance bends at first, to condition your body, before you switch to heavy weights.
Repeat every exercise 10-15 times, and as you progress, increase the number of sets and increase the weight each week if you feel like you can make it.
Flexibility Workouts
Incorporating yoga into your workout is a great way to improve your flexibility. It’s essential that your muscles are warm before you start stretching out, to avoid injuries.
Balance exercises will be a great addition to a flexibility workout, so try to do a few of exercises that will improve your coordination.
Cardio Exercises
Aerobic exercises are necessary because stamina declines with age. Therefore, start swimming, walking, or biking regularly. Start with 5-10 minutes of cardio, if it’s been a while since the last time you exercised.
Allow your body to get into shape by doing cardio three times a week, and add minutes each week until you can last for half an hour or longer. Don’t forget to warm up before, and stretch after the workout.
Physical activity is essential for staying fit and healthy, so make sure you start working out even if you’re already in your golden years. Don’t risk falling down because you have poor coordination, but turn to active life immediately.
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Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in topics related to health and alternative medicine. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
