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Senior Exercise Crucial to Independent Lifestyle
By: http://www.healthsouth.com

Whether you hit a few balls on the court, run a few laps on the track or lift some weights in the gym, staying active, especially in the senior years, can have a lasting impact.
When people hear the word exercise many think of bulging muscles, complicated machines and heavy weights, things only young people could enjoy, but a group of seniors in Columbia, Missouri, has discovered that exercise has its benefits no matter one's age.

"Well, I don't get intimidated to see some of these young people and all the weight that they can push," said Al Hathman, a member of the Senior Class Program at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center of Columbia. "I think we're all kind of in the same boat, we're trying to maintain a certain level of fitness now that we're senior citizens and from that standpoint, it makes it very enjoyable."

Members of the innovative program range from 50 to 91 years young and all have one goal in mind: to stay active.

Getting a senior inside a health club is going to help them do a lot more outside. It also allows them to be more independent. There is a stereotype of the elderly as going downhill physically after they retire, sitting in a chair at home. Yet, they can also be strong, active individuals like any 35 or 25 year old.

Without exercise, the body's aerobic capacity could decrease by 30 to 40 percent by age 65. Researchers have found that weight training may reduce chances of osteoporosis, while also increasing the number of calories the body can take in without adding fat. Iris Calloway insists she's not trying to transform seniors into bodybuilders.

"Absolutely not," said Calloway, a HealthSouth physical therapist. "Basically, we're looking at quality of life. They want to be able to keep driving. They want to still be able to go the dances and the parties and they want to continue to do activities like golf or gardening that they've always been able to do."

While the physical benefits of a total wellness program are obvious, exercising with people of similar age also has its advantages. Calloway said no one is ever too old to begin exercising. She recommends that seniors talk to a physician before beginning any type of exercise program and to start slow and steady. While weights, bikes and treadmills are helpful, seniors can also get a good workout around the home.

http://www.healthsouth.com

: http://www.healthsouth.com