May 25, 2016, is National Senior Health and Fitness Day. This observance is designed to shed light on the importance of the health and fitness of older adults.
Exercise is essential to improving health at any age, and seniors are not an exception. A low-impact exercise routine can benefit your health by stretching and strengthening muscles, reducing stress and can even help to lower high blood pressure.
Staying fit doesn’t have to require a gym. You can work out, at your own pace, with an instructor in class, on a home gym machine such as a treadmill, or utilize the great outdoors by taking a walk.
The four categories of Low –impact exercises are:
- Endurance –walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Strength –light weight training
- Flexibility – Yoga
- Balance –Ti Chi
No matter what workout routine you choose, adding some gentle stretches will improve flexibility and range of motion.
After speaking with your physician and identifying what type of exercise is safe for you, an appropriate exercise regimen can lessen your visits to the doctor, lower your chance of being hospitalized and reduce the need for medications for a variety of illnesses.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.