AgeWise: The Importance of Exercise
By: Laine Baker
Updated: March 8, 2012
More and more seniors are hitting the gym to keep their bodies, and minds, strong. Sports Medicine Coordinator for NW Health Systems Steve Conley said that research shows exercise can help seniors battle depression and other mental and physical health issues, and they don't have to start off with a hardcore workout.
"The first thing you want to start off with, besides nutrition, is walking," he said.
Conley said that seniors should start out getting at least 30 minutes of walking in a day, and that friends and families should go with them. This keeps the senior safe, and helps encourage them to exercise. Once the 30 minutes a day becomes too easy seniors can step it up.
"Increase it a little bit," Conley said. "Use hand weights, increase the pace."
Conley also recommends weight training to stay strong and healthy.
"I love weight training," he said. "People may think of big muscles, but it's anything that is some type of resistance."
Seniors should also work out muscles they use often, in ways they would use them in every day activities.
"Use weights in a way you plan to use your muscles," he said. "That makes you move better, and feel better, and want to do more."
Doing more is one way for seniors to stay healthier, and hopefully happier as they age.
For more information, go to: Schmieding Center.
"The first thing you want to start off with, besides nutrition, is walking," he said.
Conley said that seniors should start out getting at least 30 minutes of walking in a day, and that friends and families should go with them. This keeps the senior safe, and helps encourage them to exercise. Once the 30 minutes a day becomes too easy seniors can step it up.
"Increase it a little bit," Conley said. "Use hand weights, increase the pace."
Conley also recommends weight training to stay strong and healthy.
"I love weight training," he said. "People may think of big muscles, but it's anything that is some type of resistance."
Seniors should also work out muscles they use often, in ways they would use them in every day activities.
"Use weights in a way you plan to use your muscles," he said. "That makes you move better, and feel better, and want to do more."
Doing more is one way for seniors to stay healthier, and hopefully happier as they age.
For more information, go to: Schmieding Center.
