8 Reasons To Join A Senior Fitness Program

It’s not a secret. Getting regular exercise can improve our health and boost how we feel. But if you’re still having trouble finding the motivation to get moving, maybe joining some group fitness classes as part of a senior fitness program can help. Not only are there a variety of senior fitness programs to choose from, but they’re designed specifically for older adults and can help you create an exercise program to fit your individual needs and fitness level.  For example, if you want a total body workout that’s easier on your joints, try swimming. Or if you’re just starting out and want to improve your mobility, chair exercises can help build muscle tone and increase blood circulation. Once you find a physical activity you enjoy doing, you can start experiencing the benefits of regular exercise right away.

1. Reduce Falls

Every year, 1 out of 3 adults over 65 have a debilitating fall (falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in seniors). Adding exercises like yoga and tai chi can help you improve overall strength and balance.

2. Manage Chronic Conditions

Exercise helps the brain produce endorphins that serve as natural pain relievers to help manage and decrease painful conditions like arthritis. Plus, exercising can help reduce the risk for heart disease, cognitive impairment, diabetes and stroke.

3. Decrease Some Medications

A combination of aerobic activity, strength training and flexibility exercises can reduce the need for some medications. Being physically active also releases endorphins that can help boost your mood, reducing the need for medications that treat the symptoms of depression. Plus, exercise can help reduce systolic blood pressure and decrease the need for blood pressure medication.

4. Sleep Better

Being physically active during the day can help regulate sleep patterns, making it easier for you to fall asleep and get more restful sleep. But consider working out in the morning or early afternoon, because doing strenuous activity two hours before bedtime can elevate your heart rate, making it difficult to fall asleep.

5. Improve Heart Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one person in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease every 36 seconds. And being physically inactive is one of the contributors to heart disease. Taking a few minutes to be active every day — including walking, yoga or even gardening — can make major improvements in your long-term health and quality of life.

6. Better Bone and Joint Health

Both the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health recommend low-impact strength training and range-of-motion exercise to improve joint health, reduce stiffness and maintain bone density.

7. Improve Cognitive and Emotional Health

Exercises requiring fine motor skills and repetitive motion can help with overall brain health. Plus, improving your sleep and boosting your mood can also play a factor in increased cognitive function for a longer period of time.

8. Be More Social

Being part of an ongoing fitness program provides one more reason to get out of the house and make new friends with similar goals and interests.

As you can read, the benefits of regular exercise are numerous.  So, try out some different options and get moving.