Health - 5 Safe Exercises for "Mature" Adults

As we get older our bodies start to slow down; it's a fact of life we can't avoid. Many people who used to exercise, stop because it just seems too hard or because they're afraid they'll injure themselves. Many older people don't exercise because they never did when they were young. Well, I can tell you that you should be exercising. In fact, mature adults can actually benefit more from daily exercise than most of their younger counterparts.

It is important for us to get 4 different types of exercises; including: strength exercises, balance exercises, stretching exercises, and endurance exercises. Here are 5 great ways to get all four types of exercise and stay healthy and strong for a long time.

Weight lifting. As we get older, we begin to lose muscle mass. By lifting weights, you can stop and even reverse this muscle loss. Regular weight bearing exercise can also be beneficial is keeping your bones strong and healthy. You can work on machines at the gym, lift free weights at home, or even do reps with items you have around the house.

Walking. Walking is a great way to get your body moving without a lot of impact or stress. If you don't get a lot of physical activity, starting a walking routine can build muscle mass, or at least keep muscles from degenerating. It also helps keep bones strong and healthy by putting some weight on them, even it it's only your own body weight. The best part is, walking can be done anywhere and it's a great social workout.

Yoga. Yoga is a great way to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. It's also a fantastic way to relax and unwind after a stressful day; a great benefit for your physical and mental health. Don't worry about difficulty; there are easier poses that are fantastic for mature adults. There's even a form of yoga that involves posing with a chair which is safe and beneficial even as you age.

Stretching. This is an easy and simple way to keep your body limber and flexible. Just take a few minutes, two or three times a day to do some stretches. Pick several stretches so you can work the different parts of your body. It's simple, easy, and safe. Plus, if you're in decent shape and a bit adventurous; you can try dynamic stretching. You simply stretch as you move instead of stretching and holding. If you try this be sure to only move as far as you'd normally be able to; don't try to overextend.

Dancing. Want to get a workout and probably not even realize it? An easy way is to get your spouse/significant other or a group of friends and go out dancing. Not only do you get a great cardio workout, you also work many of your major muscle groups all at the same time. You don't have to spin around crazy on the floor to get a workout; just dance however you feel comfortable. The best thing about dancing is that it's fun, so you'll want to do it all the time.

Remember, it's important to talk to your primary health care provider before starting any exercise routine. They can tell you what workout is best for you. So, go to your primary health care provider, then get up and get some exercise.