What precautions should seniors take when exercising?

Depending whether you are a long time exerciser or just beginning, getting a complete physical from your health care provider should be your first step. From that examination you will have a baseline of where you are physically and if there are any exercise limitations or restrictions.

Before your workout, a proper warm up period of 5 to 10 minutes is necessary to elevate your body temperature, blood oxygen supply, and activate muscles and connective tissues to increase flexibility. A cooling down period of 5 to 10 minutes after your workout will reduce your heart rate and consume excess blood oxygen, and relax the body to a more normal state. Be sure your arms are in motion or swinging during this period, to receive the full body effect. Drink plenty of fluid prior to and after your workout.

Your best precaution (after a physical) is working with a sharecare Elite/NASM Opt Trainer to safely set your program and to achieve your health and fitness goals.

You should understand that seniors will undergo normal physiological changes later in life. These
include vision loss, hearing loss and inability to properly thermo-regulate. Keep water close and exercise in a climate controlled environment.

In addition to normal physiological changes most seniors have 1 or more chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, like hypertension or musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis. Seniors with
chronic disease should have medical clearance and understand restrictions prior to engaging in exercise programs.