5 Benefits of Regular Exercise for Seniors
Staying active is an important part of keeping our bodies healthy and happy at every age. Physical activity can help improve your overall quality of life and may prevent some serious health concerns, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
As we age, exercising regularly becomes vitally important for our physical and mental health. Here are a few reasons why exercise benefits seniors in particular.
1. Regular exercise makes you stronger.
One major reason for seniors to exercise regularly is building strength. When staying active, you will begin gaining muscle mass and improving the overall strength of your body. Not only will staying active improve your physical strength, but it will also increase your flexibility and boost your heart health.
Exercise improves strength.
As we age, we are more likely to lose bone density and strength. By staying active, you can increase the strength of your bones alongside building muscle mass. You don’t have to participate in heavy weight lifting in order to improve bone density. Instead, you can try activities such as:
- Walking or jogging
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Yoga or pilates
Exercise can help prevent falls.
Seniors are at a higher risk of falls, which are one of the most common injuries among older adults. Falls can cause serious injuries such as broken hips. By exercising regularly, you will improve strength, coordination, flexibility, and more. All of these factors will play into lowering your risk of falling.
2. Regular exercise prevents disease.
Many seniors suffer from compromised immune systems, putting them at a higher risk of developing serious health issues. However, participating in regular exercise can help prevent and/or delay common diseases by improving cardiovascular health and other parts of our bodies. From brisk walks around the park to lifting weights at the gym, seniors can reduce the risk of developing diseases by staying active. Daily exercise can help prevent diseases like:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Depression and anxiety
Exercise can help you recover from injuries.
Although staying active can delay or prevent diseases from developing, it’s important to know what to expect when you do get sick. Luckily, exercising regularly can help individuals recover and heal from injuries and diseases easier.
3. Regular exercise gives you confidence.
When you feel stronger, you will likely feel even more confident. Not only does physical activity help you to look better, but it helps you feel better as well. When exercising, you will begin to feel a sense of self-accomplishment like never before. Staying active will allow you to do the activities you love without fear distracting you.
Exercise can nurture independence.
Your new-found confidence will help nurture independence in your life. With stronger bones and a healthier mind, you will feel more prepared than ever to take on daily activities that once frightened you.
4. Regular exercise improves mental health.
It’s no surprise that exercising regularly helps improve physical health. However, did you know it can also greatly improve your mental health? While working out, your body will release endorphins, chemicals that help to boost your mood and enhance your mental health. Endorphins help relieve stress and make you feel happier and healthier.
Exercise can help you sleep better.
There’s a reason we sleep better after a day of hard work and exercise. Staying active can drastically improve your sleep patterns, allowing you to enjoy your day-to-day activities without becoming drained. Without exercise, your stress levels will take a toll on your sleep patterns. By exercising regularly, you can reduce stress while improving sleep.
Exercise can enhance your mental health and quality of life.
Overall, exercising regularly can turn your life around. With both physical and mental health benefits, staying active will drastically enhance your quality of life. With a happier and healthier mindset, you’ll be ready to tackle daily activities, spend time with family, and participate in your favorite hobbies with a positive outlook.
5. Regular exercise can be a social event.
Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can soon become one of your favorite parts of the day. There are a variety of ways to make daily exercise fun and exciting. One way is to participate in group classes and/or invite friends and family to join your workout. From yoga classes to aerobic swimming, your exercise routine can become a social event with the people you love most.
Exercise for Seniors at ATC Fitness
Here at ATC Fitness, we are passionate about serving each one of our members in the best way possible. We want to accommodate the needs of every age group, allowing you to receive a variety of physical and mental health benefits.
Silver Sneakers Program at ATC Fitness
The Silver Sneakers Program at ATC Fitness is designed for adults 65 and older to participate in health and fitness programs. Taught by trained professionals, the Silver Sneakers classes at ATC are a great way for seniors to stay active and gain confidence. There are a variety of Silver Sneakers classes to accommodate individuals physical needs and desires. A few popular classes to take include benefits like:
- Increasing flexibility
- Building muscle
- Boosting upper-body strength
- Enhancing strength
- Progress balance
The benefits of SilverSneakers programs →
If you are interested in starting your health and fitness journey today, check out all of our membership options and how we can accommodate you. For more information about our facilities, contact our team today.
