Health & Fitness Tools

Exercise Is Important For Senior Fitness, Healthy Kids And Everyone In Between

11th August, 2008 - Posted by healthy - No Comments

Regardless of age, exercise provides benefits for everyone. Even seniors and children can improve their health simply by taking part in a fitness program.

If you have children, you should know that the best results come when exercise begins in the early years. If you live in an area where physical education is required in school and it involves real activity on a daily basis, consider yourself fortunate. However, if your child’s school doesn’t provide time for daily exercise, you should provide as much active time at home as possible. Active play is not only fun, it’s healthy.

For adults, resistance training is a must. And this doesn’t apply only to the men. Women benefit just as much from working their muscles and there is no need to worry about bulking up. It simply won’t happen. But, lean muscle will result in a slimmer, sexier look as body fat gets reduced. Building muscle is the absolute best way to stay lean and healthy.

Why Does Muscle Building Work So Well?

Well, there’s a lot of science behind it. But simply put, lean muscle burns calories even at rest. When you have more muscle you’re constantly burning calories. Those with higher levels of fat tend to only burn a significant number of calories while active. The burning capacity plummets when you’re just sitting around not doing much. As a general rule, those with a higher percentage of muscle will also have a higher metabolism.

Resistance Training Is Essential For Seniors

For mature adults who want to break all the rules about getting older, building and maintaining muscle is a must. By including strength training in your fitness plan, you’ll reduce the risk of falls, broken bones and osteoporosis. Strong muscles promote balance and stability. In addition, you’ll feel better, have more energy and be less likely to suffer with those aches and pains that tend to happen to most people as they age.

Did you know… Adults who strength train tend to require less assistance and enjoy more independence as they age. Would you like to stay fit over 40, 50, 60 and up? Click here to learn more.

Even if you’re not a regular exerciser, it’s never too late to start. Once you get the all clear from your doctor, get started by joining a health club or taking a fitness class. Many health clinics and senior centers offer exercise classes so be sure to investigate your options.

Staying Active Can Be Fun

All forms of activity will provide a benefit and many of them can be fun. Simply taking a walk around the neighborhood after dinner is a great way to burn some calories and enjoy yourself. If you decide to join a group class or health club, you’ll likely make some friends you can exercise with on a regular basis. And how about a game of volleyball or softball? Many of the fun activities you enjoy are actually good for you. Try to have more fun and you’ll automatically improve your health and fitness levels.