Too old to start working out?
It is never too late to start a workout program and in fact there are many classes being given each and every day that’s geared towards seniors. My local gym has a swimming and water exercise class that meets a couple times per week and is usually pack with men and women in their advanced age who are having fun and getting fit at the same time. The following article expands on the need for physical fitness as we age and the types of activities that can enhance our quality of life.
According to Los Angeles trainer Kendell Hogan, regional director for Crunch, starting out slow is the smart way to go when you’re taking up exercise after your 65th birthday. Hogan advises against high intensity, cardiovascular workouts or heavy weight-bearing exercise, which can elevate your heart rate too much or increase your risk of injury. According to the trainer, the most important thing is to just get people moving. “As you age you start to lose your muscle mass, so it’s important to stay active to stay strong,” Hogan tells Yahoo Beauty. “It’s not just about working out, it’s about being able to bend down and pick up groceries or pick up your grandchildren.”
If you’re over age 65 and thinking of exercising, the first stop should be your doctor’s office to get the green light. Then comes the fun stuff. Here is Hogan’s advice on the best workouts for seniors, from swimming to squats.
Water exercises
“Swimming is a total body workout, so it is one of the best things you can do,” says Hogan. It is also low impact, making it easier on joints and minimizing the risk of injury. Hogan recommends signing up for an aqua aerobics class to build muscle tone and get your heart rate slightly elevated. On your own, Hogan recommends standing in the shallow end of the pool and doing knee lifts. The water provides resistance to help tone leg muscles.
Dance
Dancing is a great choice for people who don’t like, or are bored by, traditional exercise. “You’re getting your heart rate up without feeling like you are exercising,” Hogan says. Another benefit is the social aspect of dancing that involves exercising with a partner or a group. Try a dance night at a local senior center, or find a class at a local gym that incorporates dance as part of the workout. At Crunch, Hogan teaches Crunch Boom, a 30-minute dance workout with music from a variety of decades.
Yoga
Yoga helps with flexibility, strength, and focus, all of which become increasingly important as we age. “Make sure you choose the right class for your ability,” Hogan says. For new yogis, Hogan advises against hot yoga, which is done in a room with temperatures up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, or the complicated poses in a vigorous Ashtanga class. Instead, try Hatha or gentle yoga, both of which are better entry-level workouts that focus on stretching and breathing.
Balance and Flexibility
“Many people have balance issues when they get older, so I recommend balance training exercises,” says Hogan. His advice is to stand with a chair or stable surface within reach, lift one foot up, and hold the position to a count of 10. Repeat with the other foot. Try the exercise again on your tiptoes. Do as many reps as you are comfortable with. “It doesn’t require much to really see some improvements in your balance,” Hogan says. “Even three minutes of this exercise every day will help.”
Squat for strength
Everyday activities like bending down, picking up, or carrying objects are easier when you have strong legs. To get your legs and backside in optimum shape and increase muscle density, Hogan suggests squatting. Stand above a steady, solid chair, and hold on to a cane or stick in front of you for stability. Then bend your legs in a sitting motion, letting your bottom touch the seat lightly, and pop back up (do not sit down). Do 8-10 reps a day.
Increase arm strength
Regular pushups are great for upper-body strength, but floor exercises can be tough to do if you’re not in peak shape. Hogan’s solution is to stand at arm’s length away from a wall, placing both palms flat against the wall. Then lean into the wall and gently push out. Repeat this as many times as you can for increased core and arm power.
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P.S. In addition to the above recommendations, a good walking program or lite jogging is ideal for seniors or those recovering from certain injuries. It will help to elevate your heart rate and improves circulation.