There are many benefits of regular exercise for seniors such as maintaining strong joints and building strong muscles. But that’s not all, exercise can promote heart and lung health and can even help you manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure. When combining regular exercise with a balanced diet, you can stay fit and feel strong which all plays a role in increasing your quality of life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that seniors get at least 30-minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, five days a week. Whether you’re already physically active or are determined to get back into a healthy routine there are some things you need to be mindful of. Check out these 10 common mistakes most seniors make that you’ll want to avoid!
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You Skip the Warm-Up
If you want to complete your workout pain-free and reduce the risk of feeling soreness afterward then a warm-up is essential. Many people skip the warm-up because they think it isn’t important but it can help a lot and may even reduce your risk of injury.
This is because a warm up increases the body’s temperature, increases blood flow to your muscles, and prepares your joints and muscles for your exercises. For a proper warm up, start with five to 10 minutes. It would also be best to perform the same movements as your chosen exercise but at a slower pace. For example, if you plan on going for a brisk walk start by warming up with a slow walk for five to 10 minutes.