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Friday, June 15, 2012

Physical Fitness For Seniors: How To Stay Strong

By Tom Manfredi

People around the world are living longer due to advances in healthcare, nutrition and quality of life. Because of this there are a lot more seniors who want to continue active lifestyles well into the golden years of their lives. Physical fitness for seniors is now a priority and with these tips it will be much easier for people to achieve.

The first thing older people need to realize is that their bodies have different needs than they did twenty years ago. This means it is not a good idea to attempt the same exercise routine that they did in their youth. Joints, bones and muscles start to break down over time which means there can be high risk of injury if the person tries to do too much, especially in the beginning.

Checking with a physician is always a good idea before starting a new exercise routine, and this is especially true for older people. Each person should speak to a doctor to find out if they have any conditions or problems that could make exercise dangerous. They can also give advice about changes to diet that can compliment any routine.

One of the most important things is to choose an exercise routine that will work and that can be kept up. Some people choose to work out at home, while others like classes or going to the gym. Whatever they choose it is important that it is done on a regular basis, which is why it is crucial to choose a routine that is enjoyable and not too hard.

Whenever someone is exercising it is good to write down goals for the short term as well as long term goals. People get discouraged if they do not see results so by setting short term goals people can get a sense of achievement. Long term goals help people accomplish activities that might have been too challenging in the beginning but can be achieved over time.

Having a good support system is crucial to success in any work out, which is why older people should always try to find themselves a group or at least a partner. Exercising in a group or with another person is a great way to stay motivated. This is especially true on the days when an older person is just not feeling well, or does not want to exercise. A partner or group can help inspire them to continue.

Even if results are not immediate older people should still take it slowly and try not to get discouraged. Every movement counts so even if the person cannot do things they once should they should try to keep moving at all time. It is also a good idea to devise a reward system so that the person can feel good about even minor achievements and progress.

There are also a number of free e-books that have great information about physical fitness for seniors. There are a wealth of products that can assist as well, so people should do some research before beginning. With these tips and a good attitude older people can achieve the body they desire.

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