Wednesday 11 January 2012

Benefits of cardiovascular training for seniors

Are you a senior citizen looking to feel better? Or perhaps you are a child concerned of your aging parents health.


Senior fitness (in Finnish: senioriliikunta) is an issue which comes up often in conversations with both young and old and that’s a good thing. There are number of ways that people can help themselves to stay fit and stay healthy. For aging people, cardiovascular exercises can offer a number of benefits, which shouldn’t be ignored. And there are many different ways to reap the benefits – you don’t always need to join the gym or buy expensive running shoes to feel well.


Cardiovascular exercise can also have a number of psychological benefits - it can help you feel stronger and more capable, happier, more energetic, etc.


Cardiovascular training serves as the foundation for other fitness programs. The conditioning and health of the heart and blood vessels are the basis for safety and performance in nearly all athletic endeavors.


First of all there’s the weight loss benefit. Cardio can burn a a lot of calories. It’s important to remember that this shouldn’t be the only reason to do it. Losing weight this way can take a long time and there are other benefits just as well important, particularly for seniors.


Cardiovascular exercise can also raise your metabolic rate. Some studies have shown that with regular cardiovascular exercise your resting metabolic level will increase. This is one way in which it can help you to lose weight. This exercise also decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, so it’s beneficial for your heart. Even just walking 20 minutes, three time a week can lower your risk.


Cardiovascular exercises also make your lungs stronger , increase bone density, reduce stress levels, reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, give a temporary relief from depression and anxiety and give you better sleep as well.


And remember, getting fresh air while doing your exercise is a great way to combine two things. So find if there’s an outdoor gym nearby and try those air walkers, steppers or other equipment while enjoying the scenery instead of the confines of the dusty indoor gym.

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