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Geriatric Fitness. Mike Bohrer Exercise and Fitness for Seniors. Healthy aging Longer life Everyone can benefit from exercise!. Importance. Increases metabolism Lowers risk for disease Reduces impact of chronic conditions Improves mobility, flexibility and balance.
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Geriatric Fitness Mike Bohrer Exercise and Fitness for Seniors
Healthy aging • Longer life • Everyone can benefit from exercise! Importance
Increases metabolism • Lowers risk for disease • Reduces impact of chronic conditions • Improves mobility, flexibility and balance Benefits of Exercise - Physical
Improves sleep • Boosts mood • Confidence Benefits of Exercise - Mental Exercise keeps your brain active!
Get medical clearance • Set short-term goals • Start slow • Make an exercise schedule Getting Started
Eat a healthy meal rich in carbs 3-4 hours prior • Drink water before, during, and after • Stretch before and after • Maintain proper form Safety Precautions
Cardiovascular Endurance • Strength Training • Flexibility • Balance The Four Building Blocks of Senior Fitness Keep these in mind when creating an exercise schedule…
Gets heart pumping • Improves the health of your heart • Improves endurance for daily activities • Walking • Stair climbing • Cycling • Swimming • Dancing • Cardiovascular Endurance
Motion against resistance • Builds muscle • Strength and power helps you stay independent • Lifting light dumbbells • Machines • Bodyweight exercises • Resistance bands Strength Training
Don’t have access to free weights? Try using weighted everyday objects that fit in your hands… • Soup cans • Water bottles • Laundry detergent jugs (heavier)
Ability of joints to move through a full range of motion • Makes you less prone to injury • Increases range of motion for physical activities Yoga is excellent for improving flexibility and reducing stress! Flexibility
Standing and stability • Improves posture • Reduces risk of falling • Yoga improves balance too! Balance
Walking – free and can be done anywhere • Water aerobics – fun and easier on joints • Yoga – reduces stress, improves flexibility/balance • Light weightlifting –chair-bound adults can lift free weights Popular and Effective Exercises for Seniors
Make new friends • Helps keep you motivated • Learn new exercises and activities Fitness Classes Find classes and events taking place at Virtua Fitness Center in South Jersey
Stretch • Do neck rolls while watching TV • Go for a walk • Climb stairs • Rent exercise videos at the library • Bodyweight exercises (ex. wall pushups) Exercise for Free!
Keep a log • Find an exercise buddy • Focus on your improvements • Listen to music during exercise • Watch movies or read on stationary machines More tips to make exercise easier and fun Helpful Tips
http://personaltrainercentral.com/articles/fitness_for_older_adultshttp://personaltrainercentral.com/articles/fitness_for_older_adults • http://www.virtua.org/health/seniors.aspx References