In your younger years you may have found it easy to get to the gym everyday and take on an aerobics class or lift more than your own body weight. But let's face it – it's been years since you even paid any attention to your weight – let alone tried to lift it. And the last time you went to the gym they were still wearing pastel colored sweat suits. Low impact cardio workouts are probably the furthest thing from your mind right now – you've got bridge club to get to.
Well, that rousing game of Bridge might raise your blood pressure but it's not going to do anything for your heart rate. And sitting in a chair all night, after you've just spent the day on the couch watching TV, isn't going to do anything about that “Senior Spread” either. Just because you're over 40 doesn't mean it's time to stop caring about your body. You need some easy-to-do, low impact cardio workouts to get you back into the swing of things.
Part of the reason you've hesitated so long to start working out is because you remember how strenuous and painful those aerobic classes can be. All that running and jumping. Your joints aren't quite as flexible as they used to be and just the thought of all of that high impact activity is making your muscles and joints start to ache.
But the benefits of physical exercise are the same now as they were when you were in your 20s. Increasing your heart rate improves your circulation and strengthens you heart. Working those muscles improves your flexibility and increases your strength and endurance. And breathing harder during workouts increases your lung capacity and increases the oxygen level of your blood. More oxygen in your blood means more oxygen to your brain which improves your mental abilities, too.
Isn't it funny though that something that makes you feel so much better is such a chore? The hardest part about workouts is getting started. So stop thinking about those bone jarring aerobics classes you used to take and get your heart rate up with some low impact cardio workouts instead. Leave that high impact stuff for those who are better equipped to take the stress and strain.
Low cardio workouts are generally conducted either standing up or sitting in a chair. They involve a lot of stretching and resistance training to concentrate more on flexibility. And it's not necessary to workout for 45 minutes or an hour at a time. Simple cardio exercises can be done for just 15 minutes and you'll still feel the benefits.
As a senior, your goal with your fitness routine is simply to increase your flexibility and your heart rate and improve your circulation. And you don't have to do all that running and jumping to accomplish it. Low impact cardio workouts are a safe way for seniors to enjoy all of the benefits of a physical fitness routine without the aches and pains.
Author Resource:
Physical exercise is important all of your life, and as you age you should focus on Low Impact Cardio activities. It's never too late to begin an exercise routine, so long as you check with your doctor first.
Low Impact Cardio is a safe choice!