As you age, the benefits of exercising have a much more important impact on your overall health. The reason for this is that your body will be generally better equipped to support the ageing process.
Keep reading for some of the top benefits of exercise for older adults!
Exercise Increases Your Muscle Strength
As you age, your body naturally loses muscle mass, in a common condition known as sarcopenia.
Working to maintain or recover this loss of muscle strength is important for your everyday movement. Essential things such as opening jars, lifting heavy objects, and climbing stairs will all become easier with a healthy exercise regimen.
Additionally, muscle mass helps to support our joints. So, focusing on developing this muscle mass is key to avoiding joint and back injuries, which naturally occur as we age.
Try Out EGYM: Resistance Training for All Ages
Resistance training has many benefits, but key among them is the ability to manage the weight you lift and increase it gradually if and when you’re ready to do so. (Read more about resistance training here).
Beckwith’s EGym resistance training equipment is perfect for all ages! Our trained team will help you set up an account and gear it towards your specific goals and abilities. Send us a message or drop in to ask about EGYM inductions.
Exercise Reduces the Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease
Regular exercise reduces the risk of strokes and heart disease, especially for older adults.
For those aged 65 and over, the NHS recommends they:
- aim to be physically active every day, even if it’s just light activity
- do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility at least two days a week
- do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity if you are already active, or a combination of both
- reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity
Light activity, such as a walk, is especially key. We recommend coming to the gym for all your regular exercises, as there’ll always be trained staff to help out, provide explanations, or guide you to the correct machines if it’s your first time.
If you’re not sure where to start, why not take a walk on the treadmill first? As you get more comfortable, you can increase the speed, incline, or switch to a more mobile machine, such as the elliptical.
Try out these PDFs of exercise ideas for seniors if you’re stuck for inspiration!
Exercise is Key to Mental Health
Regular exercise has been shown to be extremely beneficial to your mental health.
This happens in more than one way!
For one, regular physical activity helps you sleep better and deeper. A regular deep sleeping pattern is essential to improve your mental wellbeing, so this might be the best benefit of exercise…
Additionally, exercise produces endorphins that will boost your mood and self-confidence. Endorphins are also key to reducing stress and anxiety, so you don’t want to miss out on these perks!
Get in Touch with Us!
Gyms are designed for all ages and experience levels – Beckwith Health Club is proud of its inclusivity and accessibility. If we can do better, let us know!
Please contact us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the gym if you need assistance with anything in the gym, including new exercises, personal training, using the equipment, and our membership details.
