They maintain or enhance cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. They appear to prevent falls. Balance training, in particular, seems important to fall prevention. They can maintain or improve physical functioning, particularly in adults with functional impairments prior to the program due to poor fitness. The best guess based upon current evidence is that two sessions a week is substantially better than one session, and three sessions per week are substantially better than two.
Regular activity reduces stress, prevents depression, and improves quality of sleep.
Regular physical activity, like The Lifetime Fitness Program, usually prevents weight gain. However on an informal diet, most older adults in Lifetime Fitness classes will not experience a weight reduction. If a participant is interested in loosing weight, it is recommended to also switch to a healthier in addition to an increased activity level. A major goal of The Lifetime Fitness Program is to help people enjoy life by being physically active. Classes provide an opportunity to be with friends, meet new people, and laugh.