Move Your Body: Senior Exercise Plans

Taking a yoga class reminds me that flexibility is a big issue for seniors. Every week I fuss about how hard the class is and I wonder why I am there.  I will admit that I always feel great afterwards, so working up a sweat and bending my body every which way seems to pay off.

 

One of the common causes of joint discomfort is osteoarthritis, which is a slowly progressive joint condition that typically shows up in people of middle age and beyond.  We live in denial as long as we can get away with it, but once osteoarthritis makes an appearance it is here to stay.  You probably already know that the symptoms which include pain, stiffness, swelling, cracking noises on movement and decreased function.

 

Movement helps.  Arthritis is one of the most common reasons that people give for limiting exercise and other recreational pursuits.  Fears of pain or injury are good excuses, but physicians aren’t buying it.  People who are physically fit are healthier than those who are inactive, and it is especially true for people with arthritis.

 

If you are having problems relating to joint pain and lack of flexibility you are probably wondering what it is safe for you to do.  A report written for Targeted News Service, Washington D.C. (August 12, 2010) discusses how important exercise is to your treatment plan, if you are unlucky enough to suffer any age related disabilities.

 

Flexibility:  Flexibility exercises help you to main flexibility in affected joints and the surrounding muscles.  Benefits include better posture, reduce risk of injuries and improved function.  Persevere and you just might be able to do a down-ward-facing yoga dog or at the very least bend over to put on your shoes and socks.

 

Strengthening:  Strengthening exercises are important too.  They are designed to work the muscles.  Strong muscles improve function and reduce bone loss. 

 

Aerobics:  Aerobic exercises include activities that work the large muscle groups of your body in a repetitive and rhythmic manner (improves heart, lung and muscle function).  Safe forms of aerobic exercises for people with joint problems include walking, dancing, water exercises, bicycling or exercise equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers and stationery bicycles.

 

Body Awareness Exercises:  These are the exercises that focus on posture, balance, joint position sense, coordination and relaxation (i.e. yoga and tai chi).

 

For people with various forms of arthritis, exercise is an important part of the treatment plan.  The benefits include less pain, more energy, improved sleep and better day to day function.

Comments

[Alvin]

Nice Article you nicely about aerobics but these words are not enough for this activity.

It's all about aerobic exercise

[step aerobics dvd]

he step aerobics exercise are usually choreographed to music just like other group fitness routines, but instead of exercising with side to side movements on the floor, You will be exercising vertically by stepping up and down from the platform of your stepper.

[Walter Tully]

You should also post here tiny but important details such as how much time should a senior spend in his/her exercises, what diet should come along this exercise plan, how much effort a senior should give before stopping etc. A fitness center in Glendale has a lot of seniors that only do either aerobics or yoga - they shouldn't stick into one type of exercise, IMO. A little bit of running, or at least, a little walk upwards a slope/hill wouldn't hurt.