Working out in your senior years doesn’t mean you have to be confined to a treadmill. There are many ways that your body can benefit from fitness. Some of these like pounding drums at the Y may be totally new to you, while others you enjoyed in your teens. You probably played several sports in your youth so why not jump right back into those sports? There are few sports that are the exclusive domains of young people, anyone at all can enjoy most sport and fitness activities at any age.
Get in the swim at any age
One of the best activities you can perform for fitness and general health is swimming. If you can swim, you can reap the benefits of this versatile activity. Aqua aerobics classes are held in many local swimming centers and some classes are aimed mainly at seniors. The major benefit of water aerobics is that the water takes your weight so there is less impact on joint and bones. This is ideal if you are prone to sore or weak bones and muscles. You are much lighter in the water so there is less pressure on your body. You can get a better workout with less pain in the water.
Dancing to the beat
Dancing is another fun and active fitness activity to participate in. Seniors often rediscover their past when they take up dancing classes. Finding a class that focuses on your particular favorite dance and music style is a great way to keep fit and healthy and meeting new people at the same time. Ballroom dancing is popular among many seniors and a few brave souls even venture into the high intensity salsa style dancing. Whatever your choice of dance, it is sure to get the heart pumping.
Walking for fitness
If all of this seems like too much trouble for you and you’d rather not go to formal classes of any sort, then good old fashioned walking is ideal for fitness, health and some fresh air. Taking a walk everyday, either morning or evening, will do wonders for your cardio vascular health, your bones and muscles and your mind. Make sure you have some good padded shoes and time your walks so you can work to improve yourself over time. If the weather is too hot or too cold, head for the local mall and join your peers for a cup of coffee after a brisk walk.
Other sports that seniors can enjoy for fitness and fun include tennis, golf, basketball, baseball and soccer. Don’t just reminisce about the sports you enjoyed in your youth, give them another try. There may not be senior versions of hang gliding and bungee jumping, but lots of people enjoy senior golf and tennis.
