Being active throughout your life is important. Many conditions such as heart disease, muscles becoming contracted, diabetes, obesity and dementia can be prevented with exercise. This is why exercise is important to individuals of all ages -- from children to teens to someone over 50 years of age.
Weights and Resistance Bands
Weights and resistance bands are inexpensive pieces of exercise equipment that can be part of a healthy resistance and strength training routine. This is especially true for someone who is over 50 years of age. According to the National Institute on Aging, even increasing muscle mass a small amount is beneficial. This can lead to a person staying independent for a longer time. This is also beneficial for being able to carry out daily activities. In addition, the National Institute on Aging also states that there are exercises that someone over the age of 50 can do with weights and resistance bands. For example, you can do wrist curls or overhead arm raises with weights. You can use resistance bands for partner exercises or solo exercise. One example is using the resistance band for arm curls.
Treadmill
A treadmill can be found at any gym, or you can purchase one for your household. Treadmills provide cardio exercise that does not require you to learn a routine or figure out complicated equipment. In addition, most treadmills have a wide variety of options that you can alter until you get one that is right for you. Basically, treadmills provide an exercise that is just walking in place. With this being said, the National Institute on Aging states that walking is an excellent source of exercise for someone who is over the age of 50. This is because walking is an aerobic exercise that increases endurance, increases your breathing and strengthens your heart.
Exercise Mats
Exercise mats can be used for a variety of exercises that are beneficial for someone over the age of 50. You can use exercise mats for floor exercises and balance exercises. They also can be used for yoga. There are even thicker mats so that you can be more comfortable if you have back problems or other issues.
Stair Climber
Both the National Institute on Aging and the American Heart Association recommended that anyone over the age of 50 can exercise by simply climbing the stairs. This is why a stair climber machine is such a wonderful option for exercise. You can stay in one place and get the same results as actually climbing your stairs. Stair climbers even monitor your progress, so you know how long you have been working out. Additionally, stair climbers affect more than more area of concern. They are not only aerobic exercise, but they also strength your legs. This can allow you to be independent for longer and prevent diseases such as heart disease.
References
- National Institute on Aging: Get Ready
- National Institute on Aging: Sample Exercises - Strength
- Heart Mart: How to Choose the Right Treadmill for Seniors
- Youreover50.com: Exercise Equipment for Seniors
- Ameican Heart Association: Exercise (Physical Activity) for Older People and Those With Disabilities
- Stair Climbers: Learn About Stair Climbers
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