Popular Workout Programs for Seniors

No matter your age, you can still enjoy working out. There are plenty of safe ways to still feel healthy and in shape.

First of all, you want to make sure you are prepared and have a safe workout. Here are few things to think about before and while you workout:

- You might want to get a medical clearance from your doctor
- Stop if you feel pain
- You should always warm up and cool down
- Don't workout if you are sick, have a temperature or are injured
- Don't exercise outside if the weather is too cold or wet
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after working out
- Don't hold your breath during your workout
- Use good posture while exercising
- Make sure your shoes are in good condition and provide a lot of support
- Be sure not to overwork yourself
- Avoid eating heavy meals around 2 hours before exercising
- And stop exercising and see your doctor if you experience chest pain or tightness in the chest, neck or throat; difficulty breathing; abnormal heart beat; nausea and/or dizziness; Light headedness.

A simple way for you to get into the swing of exercising is walking. Start off slow and walk short distances. You can start off with a mile leisurely walk and then increase it by two to five minutes each time after.

If it is cold or raining out and you can't walk in the park, the mall is a wonderful place to walk instead. You can get your workout in while window shopping.

You can focus on different types of exercises such as cardio and endurance workouts, strength and resistance, and stretching and flexibility exercises.

Cardio/Endurance

Your goal should be doing 30 minutes of cardio exercises each day. This includes walking, cycling and swimming. You can split each exercise up if you wish to do 10 minutes of each. Throughout your workout, be sure to check your heart rate. In the beginning you want your heart rate to increase 50% over your resting hear rate. Gradually you want to work up to where your heart rate is 85 % over your normal rate, but don't push yourself too hard. It will take a little time to get there.

Strength/Resistance

Strength and resistance workouts can be done by using weights, resistance bands, nautilus machines, or by using everyday things such as walls, the floor and furniture. After strength and resistance training, your body needs at least one day to recover. These workouts could range from 30 to 60 minutes long. Try to do one or two sets of 10-12 repetitions at just a moderate intensity.

Stretching/Flexibility

Your warm ups and cool downs should always include stretching. This will help prevent injuries, stiffness and soreness. Yoga and pilates are some exercises you might want to look into because they focus on your core area and they are beneficial for both your body and mind.

Fitness centers also provide a lot of options between its equipment and classes offered. There are many exercise machines that do not put stress or strain on your joints. Some workout facilities might have classes such as water aerobics. Water aerobics causes less strain on your joints as well. The water supports your weight instead of your legs having to support it. It is a great resistance exercise for your entire body. Water aerobics can be exhilarating and fun too.

There are many options for you stay in shape. The most important thing to remember is to be safe and listen to your body. It knows when you should stop.

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