How Exercise Can Improve Your Daily Life
To promote and maintain health in the aging adult The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) suggests moderate exercise 30 minutes a day five days a week (150 minutes). For many this can seem overwhelming. The best advice I give all my clients is to start small and work your way up to the 150-minute goal.
For example:
Week 1: Exercise 5 Days for 5 Minutes
Week 2: Exercise 5 Days for 10 Minutes
Week 3: Exercise 5 Days for 15 Minutes
Keep adding each week until you reach 30 minutes.
Why should you exercise?
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that older adults can maintain significant benefits from exercise and it does not need to be strenuous.
Benefits include:
Ability to Live Independently
Reduced the Risk of Falling
Improved Stamina
Reduced Swelling and Pain from Arthritis
Increased Muscle Strength
Reduced Anxiety & Depression
Activities like walking, swimming and senior fitness classes such as Silver Sneakers at your local senior or wellness center are a great way to get you up and moving.
Silver Sneakers:
Silver Sneakers is the leading community health and fitness program for adults over the age of 65. This fun class for all levels of fitness was founded in 1992 and was the first of its kind for older adults. Dartmouth Total Fitness began offering the program 5 ½ years ago. With a humble beginning we have grown to offer four weekly classes that include strength, balance and flexibility with the average of 25 participants per class. Instructors Donna Bosworth and Wendy Correia say, “They love their class participants and look forward to teaching class each week. To see them improve their balance and strength all while having a good time is rewarding. Participants are always proud to tell us about how well they did at their doctor’s appointments. By them sharing their experience to friends the program has exceeded expectations. Donna and Wendy are always inspired to hear all the amazing things they have accomplished and continue to achieve.”
Dartmouth Total Fitness Senior Fitness Schedule:
Tuesday - Silver Sneakers at 10:30am & 11:15am
Thursday – Silver Sneakers at 10:30am & 11:15am
Friday – Chair Yoga at 11am
Location:Dartmouth Total Fitness is located at 360 Faunce Corner Rd. North Dartmouth (508) 995-5600.
Pricing: Silver Sneakers ($1 per class) Classes along with Senior Chair Yoga ($5 per class). You may be eligible for free classes through your Medicare Advantage plan. Be sure to check with your provider. Open to the public.
The classes above give you physical health benefits but it has been amazing to watch the senior community grow around the wellness facilities. Participants come early to socialize. They also go for lunch or coffee after classes. This is a great way to catch up with some old friends and meet some news ones. Socialization is also an important part of health and wellness.
Health and wellness means something different everyone. Find the type of exercise that you enjoy daily. This healthy habit will increase your life’s longevity.
