SolveYourProblem eLearning Series:
I'm an Active Senior
Who Wants To Stay Healthy
( 50 aticles in this series )

Low Impact Exercises Can Yield Big Results
   

It is clear that exercise for seniors is increasingly important. Exercise has a number of benefits. Even people who are feeling like they are too old or too feeble can begin to feel better about their outlook on life through exercise. Regular workouts can improve many health conditions that have been already diagnosed. Moreover, staying active can prevent diseases like diabetes. However, many seniors can't cope with difficult exercises. Low impact exercises can provide just as many health benefits for seniors as other types of exercise can.

As with any exercise program, there are several reasons one might want to check with a doctor before beginning the regimen. If you have a chronic disease, chest pain, breathing problems, fever, or joint issues, it is an excellent idea to consult with a doctor before starting any new activity.

One form of low impact exercise is yoga. Yoga can ease the symptoms of arthritis and improve your mood. It is wonderful for improving flexibility as well. Yoga is defined as “to join together.” It joins the mind and body through movement, breathing, and mediation. A yoga routine includes a series of poses, or asanas. There are lots of popular forms of yoga, but in the United States, the most popular for is hatha yoga. This type improves balance and strength through physical motion and breathing exercises. Other forms of yoga can offer a more physically demanding workout or a more mentally demanding workout. A yoga class is perhaps the best way to get started with this type of exercise. Once you understand the basics, it is possible to practice yoga anywhere, even on vacation. Yoga is a fairly safe exercise, but remembers, go slowly.

Another form of low impact exercise is mall walking. There are a several beneficial aspects to mall walking. Indoor shopping malls are not subject to the weather. It is possible to enjoy weather related comfort in a mall without the nastier aspects like precipitation, wind, or temperature. Additionally, malls are safe places. Security personnel are employed to ensure the safety of patrons. Also, automobile traffic is not an issue in malls which means that busy intersections aren't a problem, and neither are automobile fumes. Moreover, malls are also typically trash free so you don't have to worry about running into that issue in your path. Further, facilities and water are always nearby. Lots of malls have clubs, price reductions, and health screenings to encourage the practice of mall walking. Some offer rewards programs for walkers. Mall walking can also encourage friendships. Talking with other walkers is easy and fun. The pace is slow and easy going in mall walking, so it makes an excellent low impact exercise.

Water workouts are perhaps the most popular form of low impact exercise. Water exercise can help with posture, balance, and flexibility, build muscle, reduce the risk of heat stroke during a workout, increase your range of motion, and prevent falls. There are a number of toys to include that can make your workout more fun or more challenging. Kickboards, foam weights, balls, and noodles can add spice to any water workout. When deciding where to workout, consider several factors. If you have a backyard pool, it will work, but it is probably more subject to the weather than an indoor heated pool. Also, heated pools offer relief for arthritic joints. Water aerobics programs vary from beginner levels to advanced levels. In beginning programs, you will learn to combine arm and leg movements in lots of different ways. More advanced programs incorporate tougher routines. Most classes are taught by a certified instructor, and some are taught in conjunction with music. The course can be taught in waist or chest deep water depending on your level of advancement. Because water provides more support for your body, you are less likely to experience pain following a workout. It can, however, be costly, as it will probably require joining a club and paying membership fees. In order to be safe during aquatic exercise, be sure to consult a doctor before starting. Also, be sure you never workout alone. Even the best swimmers sometimes need assistance. Be aware of water depth before you jump in. Jumping in shallow water can cause spinal cord injuries. If you choose to workout outdoors, be sure to include sunscreen as a part of your routine.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2006

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