Don’t listen to anyone who tells you there’s an age limit on exercise. On the contrary, exercising becomes ever more important as we get older. Women’s Fitness Club of Canada provides numerous opportunities for seniors to stay active and involved, and our Thornhill health club (Promenade Mall) offers a variety of safe and enjoyable fitness programs for older adults.
Staying Active Improves Quality of Life
Staying active as a senior may not turn back the clock, but it can at least make you feel a little younger. Even if you’re not as fit as you used to be, exercising still provides plenty of worthwhile benefits.
Regular exercise is one the best ways to face some of the most common health concerns of seniors:
- Cardiovascular and respiratory function – regular physical activity decreases the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure and promotes respiratory health.
- Immune dysfunction – strong cardiovascular and respiratory systems means improved circulation, which is a key factor in immune function. A strong and healthy body is better at fighting off infections, recovering faster after illness or injury, and feeling energized.
- Gastrointestinal dysfunction – regular exercise can aid digestion and help eliminate waste. In other words, exercise can help you stay nourished.
- Osteoporosis – bone mass can decrease with age, leading to the risk of osteoporosis, falls, and broken bones. Resistance training stimulates the body to maintain bone mass, decreasing bone frailty and balance issues.
- Chronic conditions – physical activity decreases the risk of obesity and diabetes
Besides significant physical benefits, exercise offers mental health benefits too. Physical activity improves sleep, boosts and balances mood and self-confidence, and prevents cognitive decline leading to memory loss and dementia.
Physical activity offers more all-around health benefits than almost any other lifestyle factor, except for perhaps nutrition. Staying active can not only help you live longer, but feel better no matter what your age.
What kinds of exercises are good for seniors?
You may not be able to exercise as hard as when you were younger, and that’s why exercising smart becomes that much more important as you get older.
Focusing on moving and staying active trumps pushing toward peak performance. For seniors, physical activity should fall into four main areas: balance, flexibility, cardio, and strength training.
Balance and flexibility are fundamental to remaining mobile and active, as well as preventing falls, strains, and fractures. Cardiovascular fitness improves the immune system, mood, sleep, promotes weight loss, and more. Strength training stimulates bone density and keeps your body functional for day to day activities.
Women’s Fitness Clubs of Canada is the best fitness center in Thornhill for seniors, as it features a variety of low-impact programs. Group classes like Zumba, Pilates, and Yoga are the perfect blend of cardio, balance, strength and flexibility. Complete strength training, functional training, and cardio training facilities are available at our health club in Thornhill (Promenade Mall) for workouts tailored to every need.
