Exercise Tailored to Men: Fitness Tips for Senior Well-Being
This article is the second of a three-part series focused on men’s health in preparation for National Men’s Health Month in June. In the first article of this series, we talked about prioritizing men’s wellness. This article highlights fitness tips for men. Although fitness remains a priority for men of all ages, your needs can change as you get older. The same exercises you were able to do in previous years can put undue stress on your body if you don’t modify your fitness routine.
7 Fitness Tips for Senior Men
Fitness and mental health go hand-in-hand. Beyond improving your state of mind when you exercise, you can also lower your risk of chronic health conditions and increase your chances of living longer. Here are a few tips men can incorporate into their lives.
Consult With Your Doctor First
New exercise routines can help motivate you to work on fitness, but it’s always a good idea to check with your physician before you begin. Doctors can help recommend exercise techniques that reduce the risk of injury. They may also provide access to resources such as physical therapy to help you achieve your goals.
Stick to Annual Checkups
On that note, keeping up with your annual checkups can also support a healthy fitness routine. These checkups ensure that your vitals arein a normal range and that any issues are properly dealt with. If you’re working toward a particular goal with measurable results (such as reducing your cholesterol), checkups can help monitor your progress.
Focus on Endurance Training
Although endurance training may sound intimidating, it’s more about conditioning your body to be active for longer periods. Walking, biking, and swimming are three simple ways to train for endurance at your comfort level.
Approach Strength Training Mindfully
Maintaining a strength-training exercise routine can help prevent muscle mass loss. However, your body doesn’t heal as quickly as it once did as you age. Approaching this type of training with that in mind can help prevent unnecessary muscle damage.
Join Exercise and Fitness Classes For Socialization
If you find it challenging to work on personal fitness, joining up with an exercise buddy can increase your motivation and add a social factor to the mix. Work out on your own for a few days each week, but then take time to participate in a class or session with a loved one or friend.
Improve Your Balance
A strong sense of balance can help prevent falls and reduce the fear of falling in older adults. It’s essential to have the proper precautions in place when practicing balancing, but doing so can help strengthen the muscles that keep you upright.
Focus on Nutrition
According to the American Heart Association, men should limit their sugar intake to 36 grams daily. On average, men need 56 grams of protein daily. Men should also incorporate 15.5 cups of water daily, along with 38 grams of fiber, into their nutritional habits.
Visiting Angels of Pikesville/Owings Mills Supports Senior Men’s Health
Putting your health first often means turning to those in your community who can help support healthy habits. The Certified Nursing Assistants of Visiting Angels of Pikesville/Owings Mills provide senior men (and women) with the compassion and care they need to continue healthy habits. Our care staff works to improve the quality of life of our care recipients, regardless of age. If you want to learn more about how Visiting Angels of Pikesville/Owings Mills caregivers can help you or an aging loved one, contact us for a free consultation.
And stayed tuned for next month’s article, the third of our three-part series on men’s health!