Senior Package

Less than 30% of Canadian seniors exercise on a regular basis. Not only is maintaining proper fitness during our senior years vital to our strength, flexibility, and overall health, but it is lots of fun too! Here are some great tips on how to stay in shape during our senior years.

It is important that people of all ages get the right amount of exercise each day. However, it is especially important that senior men and women also engage in regular physical exercise to maintain proper health and fitness. As our bodies age, we tend to slow down. Our muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility suffer as a result of it. In fact, once you pass the age of 25, your total body strength decreases by 4% every decade.

This can make it difficult to participate in daily activities like household cleaning, meal preparation, and social events. Regular physical exercise helps to combat the loss of this muscle strength, and bring back the flexibility and endurance we need. Staying active and exercising regularly also helps your body fight many illnesses that affect senior citizens, such as Arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.

Many seniors decide against regular physical exercise because they are afraid that it may be dangerous for them. While some may not want to get involved in activities like rock climbing or marathon running, it is perfectly safe for the majority of seniors to participate in moderate physical activity. Always check with your healthcare provider before you begin any type of physical exercise routine. Most professionals recommend that senior citizens try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, even if they are affected by age-related physical issues.

To ensure that you remain safe and healthy while you are exercising, Performance Health and Fitness recommends:

Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing while you are working out. Also, wear shoes that fit properly, and provide good arch support.

Warm up and cool down during each exercise session. Spend five minutes doing simple, low-intensity stretches to prepare your body for exercise and get your heart pumping. After you exercise, cool down by taking a slow walk, or by performing some simple stretches.

Be sure to drink water while you are exercising. As you sweat, your body loses a substantial amount of fluids, which can leave you dehydrated. Drink water every five minutes or so to replenish these lost fluids.

Never push yourself to the point of pain. If you feel dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated, stop exercising immediately. If you feel chest pain or pressure while exercising, be sure to report it to your healthcare professional.

Ask one of our stagg members for counseling if you have any doubts about attempting any physical activity for the first time.