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  • Blog
  • Top 4 Benefits of Senior Exercise Classes
  • April 2, 2021 |
  • Fitness Classes

Top 4 Benefits of Senior Exercise Classes

Want to learn how senior fitness classes can help you? Maybe you have always been a fitness enthusiast, and as you approach the senior years you want to know your options.

Either way, you are in the right place because this post will discuss why exercising becomes more important as you age. Moreover, you will learn about the top benefits of participating in senior fitness classes like the ones offered at Fitness 19.

No matter what though, always consult with your physician or doctor before starting a new workout program or regimen.

Why exercise and fitness are important for seniors fitness

As you age, maintaining your physical health and integrity becomes a major concern. The more limited range of motion and flexibility in your joints, muscles, and bones create various challenges. However, regular exercise can help you overcome several day-to-day obstacles.

Do not worry if you never exercised frequently throughout your life, because you can always “start fresh” and still benefit from physical activity. You can incorporate exercise at any stage in your life, irrespective of your age or current physical strength level.

Just start slow, build up your activity over time and eventually it will help you feel more active, energetic, and stress-free. Senior fitness workouts may even help you manage certain illnesses more comfortably by reducing aches and pains etc. We recommend starting by talking to a certified personal trainer or trying out a senior fitness class at Fitness 19.

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Senior fitness myths

Before going further, let’s talk about a couple “senior fitness myths” that are floating out there.

Myth 1: I am way too old to start exercising now

False! Do you know fitness can help you feel younger and even lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, obesity, etc.?

Myth 2: I am not strong enough to even get started

False! While you may need to be more careful now compared to your youth, senior fitness classes are designed to help you get fit, increase strength and improve your balance.

How much exercise do I need?

How much exercise you need will be up to you and your physician. In general, if you are 65 years old or over, aim for 2.5 total hours of moderate exercise each week. It does not have to be weight lifting, even a simple brisk walk or stretching exercises help.

You can even combine walking, jogging, stretching, and some strength-building exercises, helping you build your strength and core stamina while enhancing your flexibility and balance. Senior fitness classes at Fitness 19 are designed to do just that!

Apart from senior fitness classes, you can add some physically challenging activities in your daily life to help increase your physical activity. Some of these are:

  • Try to walking up and down the stairs at home or when visiting a mall
  • Pick a parking spot further from the store you’re visiting to help you get a few extra steps
  • Try a low impact bike ride to nearby destinations instead of driving
  • Take your dog for a walk
  • Try stretching as you watch TV or a movie
  • Try a senior fitness class at a Fitness 19 near you!
  • Work with a certified personal trainer to build a custom workout program for you

If you go for a more moderate cardio or resistance training workout, do not forget to warm up before you begin. Similarly, let yourself cool down after finishing. Right after your workout is a great time to get some stretching in.

Top 4 benefits of senior exercises classes

Although there are many physical and mental health benefits associated with regular exercise, here are our top four benefits of senior exercise classes at Fitness 19.

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1. Improving your cardiovascular health

Seniors are more vulnerable to suffer from heart-related health conditions. According to a study, people between the ages of 60 and 64 leading a sedentary lifestyle are at increased risk of contracting a cardiac disease.

Therefore, adding regular exercise to your lifestyle can have immense benefit, whether it’s taking a workout class, slow walking, brisk walking, joggi

ng, sprinting, cycling, swimming or some other form of cardiovascular exercise.

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2. Strengthening your bones, joints and balance

One of the most prominent side effects of aging is that you start losing your flexibility and mobility. Your bones and joints become stiffer, and any stretch can trigger discomfort, aches, and pains. You even start to lose your bone mass.

If you act on time, you can reduce the rate of such conditions from taking over at an early stage of your senior years. The National Institute of Health (NIH) and several other health experts recommend that older people adapt to low-impact senior fitness training. This will help improve your range of motion as well as reduce any loss of balance.

The improved flexibility of joints and muscles and strengthened bones can help prevent any falls and trips due to low bone density and stiff joints.

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3. Improving Your Psychological Well-being

Regular exercise can help improve your mental health. Exercising releases endorphins in your brain - natural neurotransmitters for pain relief and mood balancing.

Regular exercise can also help prevent and reduce symptoms of other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Exercising releases serotonin and dopamine in your brain to fight such conditions while boosting your overall moods.

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4. Improve your social life

Aging can feel isolating. Participating in senior fitness programs at Fitness 19 can help improve your social life. Not only can you reap all the benefits mentioned above but also get to connect with like-minded people in your local area.

Companionship like the friendships you build in class or with a personal trainer can give you an excuse to get up and step outside of the house to mingle with your new friends.

Not to mention, senior fitness classes at Fitness 19 are FUN. All are welcome, and it’s a great way to connect with others, share some laughs and make exercise enjoyable.

Before getting started

Everyone’s health situation is unique. It’s always best to speak to your doctor or a physician before starting a new exercise routine. This is especially true if you have recently had surgery, are recovering from an illness, or having a pre-existing medical condition. Discuss your options with a doctor to ensure that the exercise is safe for your condition.

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Find a senior fitness class near you!

CLICK HERE to find the nearest Fitness 19 near you. We hope you give us a call or stop by to talk about senior fitness options. There are so many wonderful class instructors, certified personal trainers and Fitness 19 team members ready to help!

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