Seniors push the envelope for fitness benefits

Who Says Seniors Don't Have Time For Health?

Senior health is a popular topic these days as aging baby boomers try to figure out the best ways to keep enjoying their goldenyears... which happily are lasting longer and longer in the 21st Century. Senior fitness is also an important issue as technology and labor-saving devices have created a landscape where 'hard work' is diminished... but so are the long-term health benefits that come from leading an active life. And senior health is also a key to a healthy mind. Numerous studies point to a strong connection between regular exercise and emotional stability, providing strong evidence that many seniors can literally exercise away their depression.

The ABC of Senior Exercise

For optimum senior health, the ABC of older fitness is actually ESC - Endurance, Strength and Cardio. These three forms of exercise target different senior health needs and should all be integrated into your workout program. Endurance exercise increases blood flow and may protect older people from cardiac injury during a heart attack, according to a new University of Florida study. Strength exercises increase muscle mass and improve metabolism which aids in maintaining a healthy weight...a key challenge in senior health. Workouts that target the cardiovascular system promote heart health. Add stretching and balance exercises for a complete approach to senior health and overall senior fitness.

Do What You Like...With Someone You Love

Seniors who have never exercised before shouldn't set themselves up to fail at exercise beyond their skill level such as jazzercise or aerobics. They're sure to lose interest because they won't enjoy what they're doing. Instead, you should find great STARTER ACTIVITIES that seniors can do to elevate heart rate such as nature hikes, ballroom dancing lessons, or even mall walks. Since exercise is something you need to do regularly, ask a family member of friend to exercise with you. Not only will a buddy increase your exercise 'FQ' (Fun Quotient), he/she will keep you inspired to do your best workout...even on days when you feel your worst.

Feel The Burn and Set Calories On Fire

Seniors need to be aware of weight and its relationship to fitness. As the body ages, it becomes more difficult to maintain for seniors to maintain an ideal weight without a fitness program, regular workouts and exercise. If you can BOOST YOUR METABOLISM, your body will be able to burn more calories per day. The good news for senior fitness is that exercise naturally boosts your metabolism. Your fitness level will get a real boost if you add weight training or progressive resistance exercise that builds muscle to your workout. Muscle burns more calories than fat, and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, even when you're resting.

Senior Exercise Prevents Embarrassing Senior Conditions

One of the 'secret' benefits seniors enjoy from exercise is freedom from worry. Exercise strengthens muscles that hold the body's organs in place to prevent many of the conditions that keep seniors from enjoying their lives fully. The positive effect on the muscles that hold the bladder is the reason many older fitness enthusiasts have found that keeping to a regular workout helps them put off some of the most common (and potentially embarrassing) signs of aging including urinary tract problems. Simple pelvic exercises performed for a few minutes a day several times a week can improve senior health exponentially.

Safety In Numbers

Seniors who want to stay on track with their workouts often choose group classes as their preferred way to get exercise. Senior fitness groups provide inspiration and motivation, along with activity levels geared to the needs of older fitness seekers. There is also a sense of community, as senior fitness centers became meeting places to share information on general senior health topics. As the interest in senior exercise classes has grown health clubs eager to 'cash-in' on the senior fitness craze, are creating a wide range of options for their older members including senior yoga, senior aerobics...even senior water polo!

Learn what are the benefits to healthy, fit seniors at: http://www.smart-shape.com