There are lots of good reasons to exercise- more energy, increased endurance, better sleep, and stress relief, just to name a few. So, while deciding to exercise isn’t a hard choice, choosing between the countless exercise routines can prove difficult. You can find ten different people who swear by ten different exercise routines, but the key is finding what works specifically for you.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthy seniors should strive to get about two hours and 30 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic activity into each day. Men and women 65 and over should also try to fit in two days per week of muscle-strengthening activity, like weightlifting.
The following are a handful of popular programs that you might want to consider giving a try:
- Zumba. If a traditional workout bores you, try hitting up a Zumba class. It’s basically a dance party, designed to target and strengthen your core and work out your lower body muscles. Your core muscles are in the center of your body and help improve balance. Inspired by Latin American dance, you’ll have a blast (and break a sweat) grooving out with Zumba.
- Tai Chi. Similar to karate, Tai Chi is a form of martial arts characterized by performing a series of slow, deliberate movements that help heighten mental awareness and relax tension in the body, while also building the core muscles. It’s believed to help reduce joint pain and may even help lower blood pressure.
- Yoga. This form of exercise has its roots in Hinduism, but its popularity is proof positive that it’s gone global. Through positions like “pike,” “plank,” “downward facing dog” and “cobra,” Yogis notice increased flexibility, improved relaxation and improved blood pressure. It may even help you sleep better, and with instructional Yoga DVD’s, you can sun salute from your living room.
- Walking. Going for a leisurely stroll never goes out of style. You can kick things up a notch by going for a brisk walk, moving fast enough to increase your heart rate without breaking into a jog. Enthusiasts swear by the benefits, which include increasing stamina, toning muscles and keeping the heart healthy. There are even race walking events you can take part in if you’re looking for some competition!
