Regular physical activity can prevent many common health problems faced by older adults, like high blood pressure, poor balance and obesity. If you’re not currently active, get together with your doctor and set some goals. Work the following habits into your exercise routine in order to achieve optimal health.

Aerobics are key

To start seeing health benefits, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two options. Older adults should get 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week, like brisk walking and dance classes, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity per week, like jogging or running.

Work your muscles

Spend at least two days a week working all major muscle groups, including legs, hips, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms. Choose muscle-strengthening exercises that will increase your strength and endurance.

Set a schedule

Not a morning person? Work out in the evenings. Don’t like going to the gym? Grab a friend and get walking on the campus trail system. In order to be disciplined in your workout routine, you have to set goals that are realistic for your lifestyle and ability level.

Make it fun

It’s easier to stick with a new habit if you’re having a good time. Sign up for dance classes, take the grandkids for a walk, or go bowling with friends. Anything that gets you moving and keeps you interested is good for your health.

How Meth-Wick can help

Meth-Wick promotes the six dimensions of wellness: spiritual, physical, vocational, emotional, intellectual and social wellness. Exercise is an important piece of the wellness puzzle, which is why we provide a wide range of wellness and recreation activities. All of our exercise programs and resources are tailored to the needs of older adults, including:

• Senior-friendly equipment, researched and purchased by Meth-Wick staff
  • Treadmills with safety features that include extended rails and a monitor to shut off the machine if the user gets too close to the end of the treadmill
  • Recumbent bicycles that allow users to step through the bike to be seated rather than step over a bar that might cause a fall
  • NuStep recumbent steppers, specially designed for low impact, effective cardiovascular and strength benefits
  • Dual-functioning weight machines that use air resistance rather than weights for a safer and more effective workout.
• Exercise room open to residents 24-hours a day
• Warm water therapy pools used for exercise and injury or surgery recovery
• Variety of exercise classes offered every weekday, including walking groups, dance exercises and water aerobics

No matter what kind of habits you are trying to make or break, we are here to help. Meth-Wick has Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists on staff to help determine and follow through on the right exercise plan you.