Senior Health & Fitness Day

Senior Health and Fitness Day, May 27

On May 27, Americans will celebrate the nation’s largest health and fitness event for senior adults. Now in its 16th year, Senior Health and Fitness Day is held every year on the last Wednesday in May. More than 150,000 senior adults at over 1,000 locations across the country celebrate the event with a full schedule of activities, everything from fitness walks and low-impact exercise groups to health screenings and information workshops. The goal is simple: help keep American seniors healthy and fit by raising awareness and offering encouragement.

Senior Health and Fitness Day is the perfect time to start your own fitness program. Here are four of the more popular forms of exercise favored by seniors.

Four Ways To Stay Fit

Walking: Visit just about any mall in the country early in the morning and you’ll likely see several seniors taking a fast walk around the mall. They know that many experts consider walking to be the best form of exercise. Walking works both your muscles and your heart at the same time. It’s easy, quick (a 10-15 minute walk can do wonders), and you can do it just about anywhere.

Swimming: Swimming is easy on your joints. This no-impact form of exercise conditions your heart and muscles without putting wear and tear on your knees and ankles.

Yoga: Yoga is a proven way to gain muscle strength and improve your flexibility. Yoga also improves your posture, balance and coordination. It also calms the mind and relaxes the body.

Light Weights: Working out with a pair of 2- or 5-lb. dumbbells is an easy way to improve muscle tone. It also helps with your agility and increases your metabolism, so you’re less likely to gain weight. Don’t have any weights at home? Then use what’s handy around the house: a can of peaches or water bottles. You can even make vacuuming a good workout for your arms and legs.

Callout:

If you are beginning a new exercise program, don’t forget to consult with your physician about what’s right for you.

 

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