More and more people over age 50 are starting to realize the benefits of joining their local gyms. New studies being conducted show that even a moderate exercise program can help seniors in the following ways-
INCREASED ENERGY- Of course, many seniors don’t have the level of energy they had when they were younger, but regular exercise can help to relieve fatigue.
PAIN REDUCTION- Having a healthier body can be a key in reducing levels of pain.
INCREASE IN CONFIDENCE- Starting an exercise program at your local gym, and sticking with it, will do wonders for your frame of mind. Building confidence in this way can carry over to other facets of your lives.
IMPROVING POSTURE- If bone disease is absent in an individual, regular workouts can help build a stronger body, resistant to the “slumping posture problems” prevalent in many senior citizens.
INCREASED FLEXIBILITY- The stretching involved in these workouts will help keep muscles loose.
IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH- If your body feels better, your mind benefits greatly. Workouts can help deter loneliness, depression, and other fears associated with aging.
GREATER PHYSICAL STRENGTH- It is not necessary to become a body builder, but if a senior can increase his or her physical strength, it can enhance their quality of life.
How to get started
See your physician and let them know your plans and goals. Make sure that they are aware that you plan to exercise on a regular basis to improve your health. If they have any concerns, they will express them.
Take a tour of the gym you plan to join. If it is local, the convenience of being able to hop in the car and drive a few minutes will be an added plus. The staff at the gym will be more than happy to show you around. As a precaution, ask them if they are CPR certified. Find out what it costs to join for a month. After 30 days, evaluate your progress and commitment to your program. If you wish to continue, ask them what the rates are for long term membership. The yearly rate will result in considerable savings for you over the monthly rate.
Talk to the staff and tell them what your goals are. They can direct you to, and show you how to use, the proper equipment to meet these goals.
Once you start a program stick with it. Give it a chance to help you. Improvement will not show up overnight, but it will over a period of time. Do not set yourself up to fail by taking on what you cannot handle right off the bat. Gradually work your way up to higher levels of exercise if you are capable of them.
A partner in this venture would be a wonderful thing to have. You would help each other’s confidence and give each other support and encouragement.
Do not be intimidated by the younger folks working out in the gym. Every gym has a group of dedicated individuals that work out hard every day. These people are not the stereotypical “muscle bound snobs” that look down on others at the gym. Most of them are very pleasant and easy to talk to, more than willing to help newcomers.
Do not be intimidated by the various types of machines. If you do not understand how to use a specific machine, ask the staff or someone who is familiar with it. They will be happy to answer any questions and demonstrate how the machine works, often giving you advice on how to get the most out of each one.
Do not be embarrassed by the amount of weight you can handle. This is vital. Many seniors remember what they used to be capable of and get frustrated by not being able to reach that level anymore. Use your head and check your ego at the door! Ignore what others can do on each machine. What you can handle safely and without causing more damage than good is much more important.
Gyms all over the country are seeing an increase in membership of seniors, looking to improve their quality of life. If this is your desire also, good luck in achieving your goals!
