Seniors staying fit

There are lots of reasons for seniors to stay physically active, including bodily independence and quality of life. Here’s a list of key tips from the J-Fitness team at the Dwares JCC:

•             After getting clearance from you doctor, meet with a certified fitness professional to help you build a program for a positive lifestyle change.

•             Find what works for you, and do your best to stick to it. This could be anything from a Zumba class to working out on one of the various cardio machines or using the free weights. Whichever you choose, don’t hesitate to consult one of the fitness professionals in J-Fitness with any questions.

•             Consider swimming or taking an aqua aerobics class. The weightlessness of the water helps achieve a great workout while taking unwanted stress off the joints.

•             Find a workout buddy. This will help keep you accountable and make your workouts fly by. Whether you’re a regular gym goer or apprehensive participant, fitness with a friend makes it fun!

•             Once you’ve established a routine, don’t be afraid to try new things. Your body will begin to adapt to the repetitive movements of exercise. This is why it is important to try new exercises or take a different fitness class to switch things up.

•             It is important to eat before you exercise – just enough to provide your body with energy but not so much to weigh you down or make you sluggish. An example of a pre-exercise snack might be a hard-boiled egg and a piece of fruit. Additionally, eating a well-balanced meal after you exercise will help you recover faster and leave you with a sense of fullness.