An exercise program can be geared to any current fitness level or age. If your lifestyle has been sedentary, begin with a check-up and guidance from your physician. This is important for older individuals to rule out cardiac risk. However, even with cardiac risks, your doctor can help you plan exercise that accommodates your cardiac condition and provides long term improvements in cardiac function. Start slowly, and add intensity and increase workout time gradually.
Seniors benefit from low impact aerobic activities which eases the wear and tear of older joints.
Good options include swimming, aqua aero-bics, walking, and stationary bicycling. Although any aerobic activity will improve muscle tone, strength training is one of the best exercise choices for older individuals. Purge your mind of images of overdeveloped body builders. Weight training is for everyone. Research is showing more and more evidence that resistance training is extremely beneficial to older individuals in terms of injury prevention, reduction in body fat, increased metabolism, stronger bones and lowered risk of developing osteoporosis, improved confidence and independence, and improved self esteem and appearance.