San Diego offers many opportunities for safe personal training for seniors in San Diego. Staying fit and healthy has never been easier thanks to advanced technologies and experienced professionals. However, for seniors, exercising plays a crucial role in helping them maintain their physical and mental health.
Thus, working out with a personal trainer can help improve your life in a number of different ways. But first, you need to learn more about what type of workout seniors need. There are many reasons why you should hire a personal instructor and optimizing your workout is just one of them.
Why is exercise good for seniors?
Physical activity is essential for individuals of different ages, offering both mental and physical health benefits. As for seniors, exercise can not only enhance your health and general wellbeing, but it can also make your lifestyle more enjoyable, enabling you to engage in activities that may currently seem too exhausting for you.
So, if you’re wondering what health benefits regular exercise provides, here are a few:
- Enhanced immune system. Seniors are typically at greater risk of infection and disease because of their weakened immune systems. Working out can help change that because you’ll strengthen your immune system and be more resistant to these health risks.
- Increased bone strength. Seniors, especially women, are prone to bone mass loss. Exercise is highly beneficial for increasing bone density and strength. It can also help individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis and arthritis. Thus, by working out, you can help restore your bones, reduce their strength and mass loss, and minimize the risk of fractures.
- Better cardiovascular health. Workout sessions can also help seniors improve their heart health by reducing their blood pressure and lowering the risk of heart disease. Exercise is great for respiratory function, as well, which also contributes to cardiovascular health.
- Gastrointestinal benefits. Seniors can also enhance their digestive function by engaging in regular exercise. It can help them deal with health issues such as constipation and slow digestion.
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases. Whether you’ve developed a chronic condition or you’re at risk of one, exercising regularly can alleviate several types of health issues. Studies have shown that exercise lowers cognitive decline and possibly has a positive effect on conditions such as dementia.
- Boosted mental health. There’s no doubt that working out improves mental health by enhancing sleep, self-confidence and overall mood. It also minimizes mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
What does this mean for your everyday life?
Seniors might be wondering how working out can affect their lifestyle. Physical and mental health benefits may sometimes pass unnoticed because these changes happen within your body.
So, aside from helping you with aging, there are more than a few visible ways exercise can make your everyday life more enjoyable, comfortable, and enriching. For instance:
- You’ll be able to take up a new hobby such as gardening, which can be quite exhausting if you’re not in shape.
- You can simply have fun, dance, and be more active at family gatherings instead of being limited by physical discomfort.
- Physically active seniors can spend more time playing with grandchildren without worrying about straining themselves too much.
- You can also engage in fun activities with your friends such as cycling, hiking, participating in sports events, etc.
- Regular exercise will make performing everyday activities such as cleaning your house, going to the supermarket, shopping, and others, significantly easier and more enjoyable.
- You can improve your balance and stay safe while walking over the ice, shoveling snow, lifting boxes, stepping onto a stool to reach something, etc.
What exercises should seniors avoid?
When it comes to physical activity for seniors, it’s crucial that you put your safety first. Aside from consulting with your doctor and finding a reliable instructor, you should also know what exercises are safe for you and which ones you should avoid.
In general, seniors shouldn’t practice the following exercises:
- Running long distance. Long runs are highly strenuous even for younger individuals who are in great shape. Not only do long runs require a lot of effort, but they also put a significant amount of stress on your joints and knees. Instead, swimming is a great alternative for seniors.
- Squats. This type of workout can also put too much pressure on your joints, especially if you have a problem with balance. Under no circumstances should you do squats with weights without your doctor’s approval and professional assistance.
- Leg presses. Exercising with a leg press machine is also not recommended for seniors. Since this machine doesn’t support your lower back, you can easily injure yourself during this type of workout.
- Deadlifts. Deadlifts are an important aspect of strength training, but they’re not safe for seniors who haven’t done this type of workout before. If not done properly, this exercise can lead to a shoulder, arm or back injury.
An important piece of advice: If you’re not sure which exercises you can do, you should consult with a personal trainer. A professional fitness instructor can advise you on how to properly do certain exercises and which ones you need to avoid. In addition, they’ll also be by your side to help you maintain the right form.
Contact the #1 team for safe personal training for seniors in San Diego
If you’re searching for qualified, professional, and highly experienced personal trainers, you should look no further than Leo’s Fitness Lab. Our expertly trained team boasts extensive practical knowledge in assisting seniors to attain their fitness objectives.
Furthermore, we’re proud to offer first-rate facilities and cutting-edge equipment. We provide our clients with a personalized experience, customized workout routines, and comprehensive fitness guidance.
You can rely on us to help you lead a more active lifestyle without the risk of injury. Soon enough, you’ll be able to explore La Jolla Cove, walk along the beach, and swim with your grandkids without experiencing shortness of breath or physical pain. Schedule your first training session today!
