You’re never too old to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. However, many seniors struggle to maintain a consistent exercise regimen as they age – despite the significant health benefits they may enjoy by staying active.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a regular exercise routine can help seniors in a number of ways, including:
- Reducing the risk of death from coronary heart disease.
- Improving stamina and muscle strength.
- Providing additional control over joint swelling and pain commonly associated with arthritis.
So what does it take for a senior to develop a safe exercise routine? Here are five exercise safety tips that every senior needs to know about:
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Consult with a physician.
Visiting a physician sometimes can be stressful, but this medical professional can offer tips that may help you achieve your exercise goals.
Schedule a consultation with a physician to establish realistic exercise goals and develop an effective workout routine. By doing so, you can find the best ways to exercise regularly without putting your life at risk.
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Warm up and cool down.
You may be ready to “get physical” during your exercise routine, but it is crucial to warm up and cool down.
Better Health Channel recommends slow stretches or going “through the motions of your sport or activity before starting (a workout).” Also, Better Health Channel notes you can cool down with slow stretching, which usually can help you remain injury-free.
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Try a variety of exercises.
Remember, variety is the spice of life, regardless of age. And for seniors, engaging in different types of exercises can help you strengthen your core muscles over an extended period of time.
Don’t forget to pace yourself, too. And if you ever experience any pain during your workouts, be sure to take a break and relax until the pain subsides.
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Stay hydrated.
You may lose roughly 1.5 liters of water for every hour of exercise, Better Health Channel notes. But seniors who remain hydrated will maintain their energy throughout an entire workout.
Carry a water bottle with you while you exercise. This allows you to quench your thirst, and ultimately, stay cool and hydrated any time you work out.
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Exercise with friends.
There is always strength in numbers, and working out with friends enables you to develop a support network that is readily available whenever you exercise.
Also, erring on the side of caution often is a good idea, particularly for seniors who are exercising together. Those who are prepared to deal with medical emergencies may be able to help save a friend’s life if he or she suffers sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) during a workout.
With cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, you’ll be prepared to handle a wide range of medical emergencies that may arise before, during or after you complete your exercise regimen.
CPR certification courses provide insights from medical professionals, ensuring you’ll possess the skills and expertise to deliver exceptional medical support to others without delay. Plus, these classes are available across Southern California, making it easy to enroll at your convenience and build your CPR skill set quickly and effortlessly.
Take advantage of the CPR training courses available from SureFire CPR – you’ll be thrilled you did! With our extensive classes, you’ll be able to fully understand how to perform CPR and other life-saving techniques in numerous high-stress situations.
To learn more about our CPR training courses, please contact us today at (888) 277-3143.
