There is no question that physical fitness is beneficial for all ages, but there are specific benefits for adults that may be deconditioned or for whom exercise may be a challenge. For each individual, the barrier to entry may be something different or the needs of the type of fitness will be unique. But don't let that hold you back from trying different forms of exercise. Ultimately, the goal is to find an activity that is fun and will continue to motivate you to do it again and again.
Here are a few different types of activity to keep you feeling strong and healthy:
Water Immersion
Water immersion remains a unique opportunity for those who have been inactive and for all of us as we get older. There is scientifically proven benefits of water immersion including cardiovascular health, weight loss, and blood pressure. One benefit in particular links aquatic immersion and exercise to improved brain blood flow and arterial health.
For many of us, there is a level of fear of losing our cognitive abilities as we age. No one wants to be dependent upon others in the way that dementia causes. In the past several years, it has been found that blood flow to the brain may be enhanced by simple aquatic immersion, and during aquatic exercise.
Bicycling
In Decatur, GA, the community has a group that meet several times a year to review safe and basic cycling skills such as how to mount a bike, how to use the hand brakes, hand signals, etc. The Silver Spokes program was a grant funded tricycle program to encourage older adults to get back on bikes.
The city has seen some great successes with this program and a number of new cyclists have taken the initiative to get a new bike of their own. There is a woman who participates to help herself rehabilitate after a stroke. The cycling helps her to regain muscle use and balance. This could not be accomplished on a two-wheel bike.
Outdoor Adult Fitness Parks
Many people report preferring exercising outdoors, which may also have a greater effect on mental and physical well-being. Outdoor exercise is also rated as being more restorative compared to indoors since natural environments reduce emotional and physiological stress.
Exercising outdoors provides all the physical benefits of indoor exercise (blood flow, improved cardiovascular health, improved strength, flexibility, endurance, etc.) and can also provide vital exposure to sunlight that increases important levels of vitamin D, unlike indoor exercise.
Water immersion, cycling, and outdoor fitness are just a few ways to get going on your health fitness journey. Getting started is the hardest part. Read more on our blog about ways to commit to healthy activity, and let us know what worked for you!
