For many Australian’s 65 years and older, physical activity becomes even more important than when they were younger. Exercise classes for seniors can be a great way to stay-in-shape and meet active guidelines that are a crucial for a long and healthy life.
However, despite these significant benefits of physical activity as you age, many Australians aren’t achieving the recommended level to gain health benefits.
According to a recent study, Australian people over the age of 65 need to exercise more. The study found that "1 in 2 (50%) of those aged 65 and over (47% of men and 52% of women) were insufficiently active, that is they did not participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day over 5 or more days in the past week." The data also suggests that seniors who are physically active have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Exercise classes for seniors are a great way to get started on an exercise program. These classes typically offer a variety of activities that are suitable for all fitness levels. Exercise classes can help seniors stay motivated and engaged in an active lifestyle.
There are many other ways for seniors to get regular exercise. Taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood or going for a swim are just a few options. Whatever activity you choose, be sure to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Regular exercise can help to improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety levels. It can also increase lifespan by protecting against conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, stroke and cancer. In addition, exercise can help to prevent or relieve symptoms of conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
Exercise benefits also include:
A mixture of aerobic exercise, resistant training and dual-task balance training are most effective for maintaining the brain and bodies’ structure and function.
Resistance training can include a combination of machine weights and functional movements.
Dual-task balance is also a beneficial task for active ageing, as it involves training your balance while performing cognitive tasks.
Although we may perform incidental activities, it is important to participate in structured exercise. While the hardest part might seem like getting started, it is known that there is a greater adherence to exercise when performed in a group setting.
There are many different types of exercise classes for seniors. Some popular options include aerobics, yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates. These classes provide a great way to get started with exercise, as they offer guidance and support from a qualified instructor.
Exercise classes for seniors are a great way to combine multiple types of activities while also meeting others in a similar stage of life. For example, our Active Living Group offers a unique variety of cardio, Pilates, resistance and dual-task exercises for Australian’s 65 years and older.
What’s more, our exercise classes for seniors are all completed in a safe, social environment and tailored to your abilities.
We have many groups on offer, with a cap of six clients per group to ensure you are getting the best possible care. These sessions are $10 each and 45 minutes in duration. If you are new to these groups there will be a one-off initial consult fee ($20 for a 30 minute one on on), before joining our group.
As they say, “if the benefits of exercise could be captured into a single pill, it would be the most prescribed drug in the world.” So why not start your journey now with our Exercise Physiology team.