Five Fitness Tips For Seniors To Stay Healthy

Senior Fitness

         
Ellen Book-O'Neill brings her expertise brings her expertise in senior fitness to her role as fitness coordinator at Ann's Choice, the senior living community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, developed and managed by Erickson Living. At Ann's Choice, residents are staying fit and having fun by working out in the state-of-the-art fitness centres on campus, participating in group exercises classes, swimming laps in the indoor pool, and walking the community's scenic walking trails. 

Here are Book-O'Neill's five tips to help you stay well.

•  Stay hydrated
Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause, headaches, fatigue, constipation, dizziness, and muscle cramps. While drinking more water may make you run to the bathroom room more frequently, it's much better than the alternatives.

•  Exercise Daily
Senior Gym

You should be doing some form of vigorous exercise three days a week. On the other days get up and move. It doesn't have to be anything more than a leisurely walk or taking a swim in the pool.

•  Eat right
Eat right

Start by adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet--shoot for 5-9 servings a day. Try to reduce the amount of processed sugar you eat. Satisfy your sweet tooth with some grapes or an orange!

•  Do what you enjoy
Do What You Love in life

Exercise does not have to be limited to the gym. You can swim, play a sport like tennis, pickle ball or basketball. You can go for a run, a walk or a swim. If you do something you like, you're more apt to continue it.

•  Vary your exercise
exercise

If you have been doing the same routine in the gym for months or years, it's time to change it up. Your muscles get use to the movements and will not respond as before.

Ellen Book-O'Neill is a certified personal trainer through the American Council of Exercise and has had training through the National Association of Sports Medicine. She holds specialized certification in Nutrition, Pilates, Meditation, and Aqua Fitness. She is currently seeking certifications as a Cancer Exercise Specialist and a Drums Alive instructor.