Senior Exercise Myths
5 Things Seniors Should Know
These exercise myths are dedicated to seniors. If you have hit the big 40 or older, then perhaps you are concerned about starting a workout routine.It
could be you have heard some horror stories about exercising at your
age.
If you are an older adult, it is important for you to know that
those negative stories about starting an exercise program are not quite
true.
Just
because you are older don't think it's time to stay in the rocking
chair or lounging on the couch.
In fact, it's more important now than
ever to get active and reduce the aging process.
Getting older doesn’t
have to rob you of your independence or your carefree lifestyle.
As
a senior, you can improve the quality of your life with physical
activity.
Fitness is important at all stages of life but even more so
as we age.
It
helps improve our health and reduces the risk of certain
diseases.
Staying active is a great anti-aging method and you can
almost feel the hands of time turn back when you keep your body in the
best shape possible.
So don't fall prey to the senior exercise
myths you may have heard. Let's bust these myths and get moving.
Here
are some of the more common exercise myths for seniors.
5 Senior Exercise Myths
Im Just too old to start now.
This exercise myths for seniors is
not true. You can start
a workout routine at any age – even in your 90's. You are never too old
to perform some sort of physical activity to better your health. In the beginning, you may have a few restrictions depending on your present condition, but that doesn’t have to stop you.
Aerobics are too rigorous and I might break a hip.
Many hip fractures in the elderly are due to falls not exercising. One of the best exercises you can start with, especially if you led a sedentary life, are senior balancing exercises.
However, that doesn't mean you can't add some aerobics to your weekly routine. Your cardio workout doesn't have to be a high impact activity.
Light to moderate aerobic activity keeps your body moving and improves conditioning so you can handle a more intense session at some time in the future.
This is another exercise myth that many believe.
The fact is, exercise can actually reduce your risk of heart disease.
However, it's definitely important to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program if you have concerns.
Make sure to follow your doctor's recommendations and you are more likely to succeed.
I weigh too much to exercise.
When people reach a size that is overwhelming, the thought of exercise just seems too far fetch. However, being extremely overweight is one of the best reasons to exercise.
As we age our metabolism slows down so you may have put on extra weight that makes it seem more difficult to get up and get active. If you exercise you can actually increase that slowing metabolism and start shedding those extra and unwanted pounds.
There are always exercises that you start with if you're overweight until you feel comfortable doing more. Start slow with a gentle walk, water aerobics or strengthening exercises you can do in a chair.
I will get hurt if I lift weights.
Strength
training is the
best way to increase your metabolism, strengthen your bones and build
muscle so don't believe this exercise myths for seniors.You can start with dumbbells weighing as little as 2 pounds each and do simple exercises that will result in toned muscles and strengthened bones.
You can even perform body weight exercises until you feel ready to graduate to using dumbbells or resistance bands. You don't have to go all out and use heavy free weights and try to bench press 300 lbs.
Put aside your fears, check with your doctor on limitations and recommendations and get moving.
In addition to these senior exercise myths check out these other common myths about working out.
Additional Articles
Senior
Exercise Program
Find out what you should know before you start your senior workout
routine.
Weight
Gain After Menopause
Find out why it's common to gain weight during and after menopause.
Seated
Senior Stretching Exercises
Warm up with these stretching exercises performed in a chair. Complete
with video to make sure you are doing them correctly.