Group fitness training is a wonderful way to get active, meet new friends and have fun! And the benefits are far-reaching for seniors of all ages. Here are just five of them:
1) Socialization
Many seniors live alone in retirement communities, nursing homes, or with older family members. This can leave them feeling lonely and isolated. But when they participate in group fitness classes that are designed for seniors, they get to spend time socializing with other people who are also interested in getting fit. The friendships they make can help reduce stress and improve their mood.
2) Independence
Many seniors lose the ability to drive as they age, which can be very isolating. When your world shrinks to just a few miles from home, it doesn’t matter how good you feel — going anywhere isn’t always an option. Seniors who take part in group fitness classes typically don’t have to worry about transportation. They can get out of the house and meet new people simply by walking across the street or riding on a bus with friends.
3) Improved Physical Health
Exercising is great for seniors’ physical health because it keeps their muscles strong, bones healthy, blood vessels clear, and heart-pumping efficiently. It can also improve their balance and coordination, which reduces fall risk.
4) Social Security Savings
Did you know that fitness training can lower your health care costs by up to 30 percent? Taking part in group fitness classes offers seniors the opportunity to keep their minds sharp and memory strong — all while saving money on doctor’s visits, medications, and lab work.
5) Staying Independent
Exercising can even help seniors stay independent. It boosts your energy level, reduces stiffness and pain, improves sleep quality, and increases functional strength, which is all-important when it comes to doing everyday tasks like cooking, gardening, climbing stairs, or getting dressed.
It is the time of year when all types of fitness clubs are highlighting their senior-specific programs. For good reason, too; research confirms that seniors who exercise regularly experience far less disability as they age than those who do not. But some fitness centers aim to offer even more by offering group classes specifically designed for seniors.
The right mix of fitness classes can be a powerful motivator for seniors who may have lost interest in exercising. And it’s not just about working out for the sake of daily exercise. Senior-specific group fitness training can help improve health and reduce falls, a major cause of injury among older adults.
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