Senior Care in Allen, TX – Strength Training Can Be Very Beneficial for Seniors if Done Properly
There seems to be a misconception many people believe to be true – weight training is not suitable for elderly people. However the truth is strength/weight training is a crucial part of any active lifestyle, regardless of whether the person is younger or older. In the following article you will find tips to help make weight training not only fun and simple, but safe.
Understand the Benefits
Weight and strength training can be used to combat many of the signs and symptoms of growing old. These benefits include:
- Stronger muscles and bones
- Improved balance
- Improved co-ordination
- Improved mobility
Use the Right Equipment
Although it is not important to spend lots of money on the most expensive and complicated pieces of weight training equipment, you should still invest in appropriate equipment. Dumbbells are by far the best option if you are looking to start weight training at home. As well as being affordable, they are also easy to buy and use.
Consult Your Doctor
Before you participate in any form of physical activity, it is also wise to consult your doctor. Talk about the exercises you are interested in trying and make sure your doctor thinks they will not adversely affect your health and well-being. This is especially true for your senior parent. Are they interested in the health benefits of weight training? A visit to the doctor can give them the go-ahead to get started and some tips on how to stay safe while strength training.
Establish a Routine
When you first start weight training, it is not always easy to establish a routine. It may be worth investing in a book or doing some research online, as there are many different weight training exercise routines and tutorials available that are specifically designed for seniors.
Carefully Follow Instructions
If you don’t follow instructions carefully or use the right technique while weight training you could do more harm than good and cause an injury. Especially pay close attention to breathing techniques, your posture and how you grip and lift weights.
Take Small Steps
You should always take small steps and begin slowly when starting a new type of exercise or training, particularly when using weights for the first time. It is recommended you limit weight training sessions to 2 days a week and always have a rest day in-between workout days.
Build Up Gradually
It’s crucial for you to realize that weight training is not a race and it’s normal to feel sore and tired after a good workout. If your muscles and joints are really painful though, stop training for a week and switch to a lower weight when you begin again. Once you have managed to consistently workout following the same routine for about a month, it is vital to increase the intensity of your workout to continue to build muscle.
Always Warm Up Before and Cool Down After a Workout
It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to properly warm up and stretch before you start a weight lifting workout, and cool down afterwards and on your rest days. Warming up helps to prepare and lengthen your muscles before you begin, while stretching afterwards combats the stiffness and soreness you might have at the end.
Remember, weight or strength training benefits everyone. Make sure your senior loved one starts out slowly. For extra help with personal care in the comfort of their own home, consider hiring senior care services for your aging parent.
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