What is the best exercise for aging muscles? Here are a few suggestions.
Staying active while we age is important for overall mental and physical health. Time and again, we see the benefits of exercise on the aging process and quality of life. That’s why Menno Haven works hard to facilitate and encourage our residents to find activities that they enjoy so they can stay active and healthy while also enjoying the social benefits of exercise.
According to Mayo Clinic there are an array of benefits of exercise for older adults: “Strength training may enhance your quality of life and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Strength training can also protect your joints from injury. Building muscle also can contribute to better balance and may reduce your risk of falls. This can help you maintain independence as you age.”
We want to help you stay strong and live independently, so keep reading for more information on how strength training helps you do just that.
Guidelines for Effective Strength Training
Muscle strengthening exercises are especially important for aging adults to improve balance and protect joints. Federal government guidelines suggest that adults should do strength training two or more days a week. The best exercise for aging muscles should include moderate or greater intensity and involve all major muscle groups.
Track Your Progress and Celebrate Your Success
Regular and consistent strength training will reap some great benefits, no matter how small your beginnings are. We’d even suggest you track your progress— especially if you are trying to implement a new workout routine. Try using this tracking sheet so you can follow your success and concretely see the positive effects of exercise on aging.
And when you see results, don’t forget to celebrate your commitment to better health!
Best Exercise For Aging Muscles
Strength training comes in all sorts of forms—it’s not just about lifting weights. If you’re wondering what is the best exercise for aging muscles, we’ve got a few suggestions.
Some activities that would be considered muscle strengthening include:
- Repetitive exercises using exercise bands, weight machines, or hand-held weights.
- Exercises that use your body’s weight to build strength including push-ups, pull-ups, planks, squats, and lunges.
- Gardening provides strength building through digging, lifting, and carrying plants, dirt, and tools.
- Everyday activities like carrying groceries.
- Yoga postures and forms of tai chi use body weight for resistance
- Core exercises for seniors like sit-ups.
Menno Haven: Your Partner in Good Health
As always, make sure to work with professionals when developing a plan to reap the benefits of exercise. First, it’s important to discuss any exercise plan with your doctor.
Your doctor can suggest exercises that will work well with your abilities and may have suggestions for exercises to avoid based on your health history. Also, a trainer can be a fantastic resource to provide a plan and keep you accountable to maintain an exercise routine.
At Menno Haven, our team of talented fitness experts will help you reach or continue your health goals. Our facilities provide residents with opportunities to stay active and healthy all year round with a variety of wellness opportunities.
Whether it’s a yoga class, a square dancing lesson, or swimming in one of our three indoor pools, our residents can enjoy the benefits of exercise.
Do you want to explore how Menno Haven can help you maintain an active and healthy lifestyle? Contact us today to plan your visit.