Over 50 exercisers should modify their workout due to potential physical changes associated with aging. Make sure to exercise to stay healthy-not get injured. As we age there are degenerative changes, elasticity changes, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis. Our balance deteriorates and some of the medications that we may be on can effect our exercise performance. Use lighter weights for delicate body parts (shoulders) and avoid high risk exercises. Make sure not to do the same movement too often, in order to avoid overuse injuries and avoid military-like exercise training.
For older adults that are losing their balance it is time add balance exercise.
And for those with back pain, sometimes this can be helped by strengthening the muscles around the spine.Strength training will help decrease the effects of sarcopenia.
Seniors often suffer from depression. A brisk walk outdoors is helpful for reducing depression. If the person like to dance, a Zumba gold class is perfect for that age group-music/dancing can also reduce depression. Group fitness classes are also recommended. This is especially true for those that live alone and need the social connection of a group class.
Lastly, swimming is a good exercise for seniors. It gets the heart rate up and is gentle on an arthritic body-it will not help bone density but can lift depression-especially if the pool is outdoors and the sun is out.
www.CarolMichaelsFitness.com works with those that are over 50. Work-out in our West Orange studio or enjoy in-home personal training.
973-379-4779