5 Fitness Tips to Help Seniors Get & Stay In Shape

You know you should exercise regularly, drink lots of water and eat nutritious foods. Those are 3 smart fitness tips everyone should live by. But if you're over the age of 60, there may be special concerns you should keep in mind when trying to stay fit.

If you are a senior, the following tips provide even more support for a fit and healthy lifestyle.

1. It's Never Too Late to Start

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Don't think that since you have lived a life of little exercise and physical activity, there is no need to start now. Just 15 minutes after you begin exercising, you benefit by the increased rate of healthy oxygen pumped throughout your body! Make exercise a regular part of your daily and weekly activities, and your health can improve quickly - no matter what your age.

2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

There are always going to be other people in better (and worse) shape than you. Comparing your level of fitness to someone else is pointless. You are an incredibly unique individual. What someone else can or cannot do has nothing to do with you. Continue to make strides with your physical fitness, keeping moving and active on a daily basis, and your efforts will pay off.

3. Don't Underestimate Yourself

The last 20 or 30 years research continues to show that what we thought about the inevitability of aging is not entirely true. The things that you can accomplish, physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally, are not limited by your age. If you haven't exercised in a while, start slow, but don't underestimate what frequent physical activity, lots of rest, smart nutrition and hydration can accomplish in your life.

4. For Senior Citizens Who Used To Be Athletes – Accept That You Are Not That Young Anymore

You just learned that you may be able to do more physically than you ever thought possible as a senior citizen. This mindset can lead to incredible health rewards. On the other side of that coin are those individuals who overestimate their physical ability as seniors. If you used to be an athlete, or you were just very physically active as a youngster, don't overestimate your strength and endurance. You can lead a wonderfully healthy life as a senior, but be careful not to injure yourself by overestimating your physical abilities. Injury in the elderly is one of the leading causes of disability and can even lead to death.

5. Include Strength Training, Balance Exercises and Aerobics In Your Daily Routine

Balance exercises include yoga, Pilates and tai chi. Every year past 60, your chances of falling increase. That's why balance exercises are so important for seniors. However, as mentioned above, so is regular and moderately intense aerobic activity. Add strength training, like body weight training or lifting weights, and you have the perfect trifecta of senior exercising for a fit and healthy body – strength training, balance exercises and aerobics.