3 Summer Fitness Tips for Seniors

Looking to stay fit in your senior years? Want to maintain your flexibility and range of motion? If so, make exercise a habit! Working out for as little as 30 minute a day can add years to your life, boost your energy, and ward off diseases. Although it’s not easy to stay active as you age, the results are worth the effort. Here are some tips on how to keep your body fit and limber in the summer:

Find an Activity You Enjoy

Strength training and cardio are not the only ways to get your daily dose of exercise. Everyday activities, such as walking, stair climbing, gardening, and stretching, count as exercise too. The key is to find an activity you enjoy, and stick to it. Swimming, water aerobics, cycling, jogging, and golf are an excellent choice for seniors.

Make Exercise a Habit

Exercising once or twice a week won’t help you too much. The key to a strong, fit body is to stay active every day. Most seniors have plenty of free time, so working out daily shouldn’t be an issue. Whether you go jogging, hit the gym, or exercise at home, be consistent and stick to your workouts. Consider booking personal training services at a local gym. A qualified instructor or a physiotherapist can teach you the best moves for your goals, keep you accountable, and watch your form.

Pump It Up

If you want to get in shape this summer, go heavy in the gym. Strength training has a wealth of benefits for seniors, offering better results in less time. Lifting weights burns calories, strengthens your joints, and improves muscle tone. It also increases your resting metabolic rate, helping your body use energy more efficiently. To fully reap the benefits, commit yourself to three or four weekly lifting sessions. If you’re overweight or you simply want to maintain your fitness, do up to 40 minutes of cardio after strength training.