Even though senior citizens are older it certainly doesn’t mean that they have to or should stop exercising. Even those elderly that may have certain physical or health disabilities or conditions can have daily exercise programs. As with any age, daily exercise has long-term health benefits.
The National Institutes of Health’s Senior Health recommends four types of exercises for seniors. This includes the categories of endurance, strength, balance and flexibility.
Types of Exercises for Seniors
Endurance Exercises
Running, jogging, walking and biking are all examples of endurance exercises. Endurance exercises increase your heart rate, circulation and breathing rate since you rely on your cardiovascular system to keep your body in motion. These endurance exercises improve your overall health and well-being because they help increase lung capacity and improve the functioning of the heart & circulatory system.
Endurance exercises should run 30 minutes in length. These exercises should also be done at your own pace, so you can get complete satisfaction out of it.
Strength Exercises
Weightlifting and targeted exercises such as abdominal curls or leg lifts are examples of strength exercises. Your daily exercises such as lifting groceries out of the trunk of your car, are examples as well. Strength exercises can build up your muscles and can improve your ability to perform simple daily activities. When certain areas of your body are strengthened, such as the lower back, it can reduce your risk of injury.
Balance Exercises
This exercises are recommended for seniors as a way to prevent injuries due to falls or lack of balance. If your perform certain balance exercises, such as standing on one foot, can help improve coordination and balance and reduce your risk of injury. These exercises can also build your muscles to help improve your stability.
Flexibility Exercises
Flexibility and being limber can improve certain daily activities also. When performing tasks, such as reaching into a cabinet or doing laundry, you’ll appreciate benefits of performing flexibility exercises. These exercises can help reduce your risk of joint injury. Some exercise programs such as yoga, Pilates, or tai chi are all helpful in improving your personal flexibility. These programs can be found at local gyms.
**This article was written with the aid of Livestrong. (http://www.livestrong.com/article/411396-good-exercises-for-senior-citizens/)