It is January and that means that there are lots of new faces in the health clubs where I work. Many of these faces are of those in the baby boomer generation, looking to get on a healthy routine in an effort to take control of their health and well being. For some, it is recapturing a part of their active youth and rekindling a dormant passion for their favorite sport or activity. For others, it is recognizing that they need to be active but also be a bit gentler on their bodies than they were in the past. Then there are those who are completely deconditioned and were never active. Many of the so called boomers are also plagued by injuries and conditions that require special attention and modifications.
For me, working primarily in the Pilates world, it is a wonderful way for me to work with someone in a post rehabilitative state and then progress them to a higher fitness level. It is also a perfect opportunity for me to introduce them to Pilates as a necessary exercise component that will not only enhance their already existing leisure and exercise activities, but also their everyday life skills.
If you’re a novice and 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. This is of concern for many in the boomer population. 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, and for increased bone density. Many older adults fall, and unfortunately, some of them die as a result. In fact, Physicians and Sports Medicine statistics reported that “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 80 percent of older Americans reportedly suffer from back pain. Exercising 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 head into your fitness routine in a mindful, but still active way. Modify where you need to and add in a low impact or mind/body component such as yoga or Pilates. 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.