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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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