Reasons why you should maintain an active lifestyle as a senior
Want to live a long and healthy life? Want to be fitter and spend quality time with your grandchildren, or perhaps tick more off the bucket list? Or are you supporting a loved one yourself and needing more energy? Whatever your reason, here at Glenorchy Health and Fitness we know the importance of keeping active and fit no matter what age.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is beneficial not only physically but also mentally and sometimes it can be even more important for our older members.
We offer a range of classes to suit any member no matter what age or fitness level they may be. We even have a class specifically for our older members ‘fitness for seniors’; a slower paced class that provides a cardio and strength workout without the stress to joints or ligaments. It’s designed to improve mobility and help you stay active as you age. We also offer a Balance class for those who to relax and improve flexibility, Zumba for those who want to have a dance party while they workout, or for those after something more upbeat we have our bike class, RPM. Here’s our top three reasons why you should join our gym and keep up an active lifestyle as a senior.
- Socialisation.
Factors such as health conditions, mobility limitations or simply a lack of energy can keep us from being as socially active as we once were as we age. A diminishing social life, according to research, shows that social isolation in older adults can lead to dangerous health risks, poor emotional health, decreased physical health and a poorer quality of life. Having a regular hobby such as joining a gym is one of the easiest ways to form friendships and remain not only physically active but also socially active. At our club you will be able to meet new people and form strong friendships in our motivating, uplifting community.
- Physical benefits.
Without regular exercise, anyone over the age of 50 years can experience a range of health problems including reduced muscle mass, strength and physical endurance, reduced coordination and balance and reduced joint flexibility and mobility. Sometimes gyms can have a stereotype of being all about “gym selfies” and getting “them gains” but here at Glenorchy Health and Fitness we support all goals and you can take it at your own pace. We welcome members from all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels – not one member is the same or has the same goals. Here at our gym with over 55 classes per week you’ll be spoilt for choice, perfect to suit all abilities. Now get that stereotype out of your head, a gym really is for anybody. You’ll notice improved physical benefits not just in your appearance but most importantly, it increases your health and even increases the likelihood of living longer!
- Improved mental health = endorphins.
The mental rewards of an active lifestyle are equally as important as physical, important for people of all ages. Exercise is hugely beneficial to our mental health, thanks to Endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that are released in your brain in times of stress or pain to help comfort the body. That “feel-good” brain chemical is released when you exercise, which can help you feel happier. Doing physical exercise will not only help you maintain a healthy weight and help you beat stress, it will also help you to maintain a positive mood and outlook – it’s a win-win!
This Seniors Week (15-21st October) we want to celebrate our older members; come join us this Thursday (18th October) for our special ‘fitness for seniors’ class at 11am. After working up a sweat, come join us for morning tea afterwards. Non-members are welcome to come and give it a try for free! Have any questions visit us at 51 Chapel Street, Glenorchy or contact us on (03) 6272 4849 today.
By Tahlia Higgins.