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Fitness is Booming for the Baby Boomer Generation

By HERWriter
 
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Fitness is booming for the Baby Boomer Generation with statistics showing that “Boomers” exercise more on average, than the average person. However, statistics also show that Boomer men are twice as more likely to exercise than Boomer women. Ladies, in this article I will try to encourage you to catch up to the guys with some exercise options and tips to keep you moving.

Baby Boomers are changing the face of fitness, making up one-third of the U.S. population. But, the savviest of this generation has prompted the health and wellness industry to cater to their demands to preserve their quality of life. They want to fight the effects of aging in an effort to look and feel good well into retirement.

If you’re just starting out, walking is a nice way to ease into a routine with little impact on the body. Cardiovascular workouts are key in burning fat and keeping the heart strong. Studies show that, nearly 5 million people a year are diagnosed with coronary heart disease. In fact, it is the number one killer among women. Maintaining a healthy weight and cardiovascular conditioning are primary factors in the prevention of heart disease.

One of the best ways to increase balance, coordination, small motor flexibility and posture improvement is by working out in the water. Water workouts also take added pressure off the bones and joints allowing you to perform your workouts optimally. Water workouts also have significant results for boomers recovering from accidents, surgeries and injuries.

Strength training is a significant component of fitness, especially in women for increased bone density. Many older adults often die as a result from a fall. In fact, Physicians and Sports Medicine statistics report, “forty-percent of adults over the age of 65 fell at least once a year.” As a result, weight training is becoming a popular addition to many boomer workouts. Core strengthening and mind/body exercises such as Pilates and Yoga can also help with balance, to keep you from falling in the first place.

Statistics show that eighty percent of older Americans reportedly suffer from back pain. Exercise a few times a week, can help with that chronic pain, not to mention, the pain also endured from arthritis, and orthopedic conditions. So if you’re a boomer, I suggest you jump in on the latest fitness boom and stay active! You’ll not only feel good, you’re also more likely to bounce back from many physical setbacks.

Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiance, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.

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HERWriter

Your program and certifications look extremely thorough and comprehensive. - Joanne

September 2, 2009 - 3:48pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Great article Joanne. When you get a chance check out our website: www.efslibrary.net. We provide an online educational certificate in Older Adult Fitness Training in partnership with colleges/universities. Feel free to let us know what you think.

September 1, 2009 - 8:14am
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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