As we age, the joints begin to wear down, the impact and insults of time add up, and we tend to want to slow down, or even stop working out. But if you stop, you will lose muscle mass at an alarming rate, and your body will break down faster and be weaker. So how can we stay fit, while minimizing more wear and tear?
Spin Class at River Glen
Spinning
Spinning seems intimidating to many just starting out, but it’s one of the best classes to come to as a beginner! First, remember that you are ultimately in charge of your bike. The resistance and cadence are really up to you. The instructor will cue instructions throughout the class as far as what their intentions are for intensity, how you should feel, ranges for heart rate and so on, but ultimately, you choose your level. You can get a very intense workout that burns a lot of calories in a short amount of time, with little to no impact on your joints, making spinning a great choice across the board.
Muscle Conditioning
No matter what age you are, working on strength to keep or build muscle mass is crucial to your overall function going forward. A myriad of exercises can be employed to make your workout safe and effective. Loss of muscle mass with age (sarcopenia) kicks in as early as your 30’s! According to Web MD, physically inactive people can lose as much as 3% to 5% of their muscle mass each decade after age 30. You need to work on some form of strengthening for your muscles to stay functional and active.
Reformer Pilates
Pilates
It’s been around for almost 100 years, and it’s still a discipline that’s going strong! Originally called Contrology, it was created by Joseph Pilates. At its core, Pilates will create strength, flexibility, and functional movement. Mat classes are adaptable to your level, and there are also options with regard to equipment, such as the reformer, chair, and barrel and ladder.
Yoga
Yoga can be one of the best exercises to keep your body pliable, helping you work out stiffness and tightness in the muscles. Finding the right class can be tricky, because often the classes are geared toward younger yogis.
As an older adult, you can remain active and youthful through exercise. Stick with it, it’s worth it!
Feel free to contact an Elite personal trainer for a FREE fitness consultation. They can help you decide what is right for your body, age, or health situation!
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1 Comment
You are amazing my friend! Would recommend to all in our age group!