Fitness Safety Tips for Senior Citizens

Guest Article

As we age, it becomes doubly important to stay active.  Exercise activities help us keep our movement and strength, two components that play a huge role in how active we are.  To get the most out of exercise, fitness needs to be done in a safe manner. Keep reading for the safety tips you need to know!

Engaging in exercise helps keep the body strong.  Better heart health is a major benefit of exercise, as are better circulation and lung function.  Exercise can help lower the risk of developing many health conditions and can aid in management of existing ones.  An active lifestyle also helps older adults stay independent, giving them the chance to enjoy life to its fullest.  

Top Exercise Options

As we age, some exercise options are better for our bodies than others.  Signing up for a CrossFit class may not be the best choice! That said, there are plenty of great exercise activities that will help older adults build muscle and strength, and manage weight.  Low impact activities such as swimming, yoga, Pilates, or cycling are great choices that promote a healthy cardiovascular system, building endurance, and are just plain fun to do! Bodyweight and resistance-band training help build and keep muscles strong.  Walking is an activity that does not require a gym membership or any equipment to do, the perfect activity for those on a tight budget. Whatever exercise you choose to do, make sure you enjoy it.

Staying Safe While Getting Fit

Exercise is only beneficial if it’s done safely.  Before beginning any regular or new exercise activity, check in with your doctor.  Your doctor can also give you guidance as to how much exercise and what activities are best for you.  Make sure you warm up your muscles and cool down before you finish. Stretching helps to prevent blood clots and keeps muscles loose.  Don’t hold your breath while exercising! Breathe deeply and regularly. If you feel any type of pain while working out, stop! See your doctor if the pain continues.  Drink lots of water while you exercise, and before and after, too. To prevent pulling or straining muscles, practice good posture and correct pose for each activity you do.

Wearing a Medical ID

Owning and wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace is a smart idea no matter what you’re doing, but especially when exercising. The bracelet can inform medical professionals of  medical conditions, food and drug allergies, and prescription and emergency contact information.  If something does happen while you’re exercising, those around you will have the information they need to get you help.  

First responders are trained to look for medical ID jewelry, and it could save your life in a true emergency situation.

Seniors who live independently and who exercise at home should also look into purchasing an emergency alert system.  These are most often worn around the neck and have a button to press in case of emergency.  The device connects you with the company’s operators, letting you call for help if you’re unable to reach a phone.  The security an emergency alert system gives you is well worth the price of the service!

A Better, More Healthy Life

The benefits of regular exercise are unparalleled.  Exercise activities do not need to be strenuous to feel the results.  Simply walking five days a week will improve your health! To have a high quality of life, especially as we age, exercise is key.  Improve and keep your strength and movement, and maintain your independence through fitness.

About the author:

By offering high quality custom-engraved medical alert jewelry, American Medical ID supports senior citizens in living their life to the fullest while enjoying independence, safety, and peace of mind. A medical ID can speak for seniors in an emergency and help alert responders of medical conditions and other critical health information.