HealthMemory – Can You Keep from Losing Your Mind?Exercise Trends Safe For Seniors
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A toned body, in better shape and with increased energy, are benefits of getting regular safe exercise in your senior years.
By: Faith Kaye
“Regular” workouts like running, jogging or weight training may not interest you. So, make getting in shape exciting for you by participating in popular exercise trends like yoga, pilates or Zumba.
Yoga
Yoga involves complex poses that stretch your limbs and could add pressure to your joints. But, there are plenty of poses that are safe for a senior to perform and maintain regularly. Yoga will keep you in shape. It can help to stabilize your blood pressure and help lower blood sugar. Because meditation is a large part of this exercise regimen, you’ll also learn how to respond to stressful situations in a calmer manner.
With yoga, you’ll learn how to be at peace with the various aspects of your personality. Safe poses for seniors include some by which you strengthen your core, hips and thighs. The locust pose, where you lie on your stomach, will strengthen your lower back. The corpse pose, which you execute before and after your yoga exercise, promotes relaxation.
Pilates
Pilates can be a little more intense than yoga. It is an exercise trend that promotes balance and weight loss. You’ll also notice that you become more flexible after practicing pilates for a few weeks. The founder of this workout system, Joseph Pilates, practiced the workouts that tone muscles and promote well-being into his eighties. Perhaps this is why more seniors are making pilates a part of their wellness routines.
It’s best to take a class at your local community center that is age-specific. Ask the instructor to introduce exercises that strengthen your core and extremities at a pace that is comfortable for your body. As an alternative, purchase a pilates DVD so that you can comfortably transition from working on the mat to improve flexibility, then to using pilates equipment like the reformer to tone muscle and increase strength.
Zumba
If you love dancing, Zumba is a senior exercise trend you’ll definitely want to try. The benefits of Zumba include weight loss, cardiovascular health and lowered blood pressure. Latin and world music are a large part of the workout, so you’ll be working your legs, hips and core, while toning your arms and getting your heart rate up. While you’re enjoying the exercise, your body will be burning calories and fat.
Zumba is a full-body workout, so engaging in this activity a few times a week will yield significant results. Your local gym will likely offer a Zumba class, with people in various age groups. Taking a beginner or intermediate class based on your current level of fitness will help you to broaden your social circle while getting into shape. Or, you can purchase Zumba DVDs so you can work out when it’s convenient for you.
To be on the safe side with any exercise routine you select, be sure to drink lots of water throughout your workout to prevent dehydration and keep your joints lubricated. Also, stop and take a break any time you feel winded. Discuss the benefits of a senior exercise plan with your doctor or nutritionist to come up with a customized workout plan that’s just right for you.
Sources:
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yoga-and-health/yoga-for-elderly.asp
http://pilates.about.com/od/pilatesforeverybody/f/Seniors.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/68324-zumba-workout-benefits/
Written by Senior Report
