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A lot of older individuals might wonder whether or not beginning an exercise regime is safe and whether or not it is even advisable.  After a certain age, stamina, recovery time and host of other conditions can affect one’s ability to engage in physical activity.  Despite some of these considerations though, it is generally recommended that even those who are elderly and/or those that have underlying conditions, get some form of exercise at least three times a week.  While the type and level of that activity will vary greatly depending on one’s abilities, the fact that everyone could use a little physical activity is undisputed by medical authorities.

In most cases it is advisable that if you have been stationary for a long period of time due to illness or other reasons, or if you are in ill health, you should talk with your health care professional before beginning any exercise regime.  However, even people with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other serious or chronic disorders can exercise with safety.  If you are over sixty-five and/or suffer from any of the above conditions, thinking about what exercises might be suitable should probably be discussed with your doctor.

For most seniors however getting started can be pretty straightforward.  Making sure to start off slow and build your way to an intensity that is comfortable is essential.  Walking is one of the most basic, but also one of the most fundamental exercises that any of us can engage in.  Walking is an absolutely excellent way to stretch out your body, improve cardiovascular health, alleviate lower back pain as well as many other benefits.  By starting at a leisurely place and gradually working your way up to a speed that is comfortable for you, you can help avoid any injuries.  Pushing yourself too hard at the beginning is a sure way to injure yourself and thereby prevent yourself from getting the exercise you hoped to incorporate in the first place.  There is simply nothing wrong in taking it easy at first. 

Swimming is another excellent workout for seniors.  The resistance of water helps to build strong muscles and to give you a great cardio workout.  Swimming builds strength and encourages flexibility and range of motion.  If swimming doesn’t excite you but the idea of being in the water does, then there are also a variety of other kinds of classes that take place in the pool.  Water aerobics, for instance, and other aquafit type classes can be as intense or as relaxed as you make it.  By doing this kind of aerobic activity in the water however, you avoid the kinds of injuries that can come with jumping up and down on the ground.  Water aerobics is much safer for the joints and the muscles.

Making sure to warm up and stretch before and after a workout will help make it less likely that you will injure yourself.  If you are not feeling well on any particular day then foregoing your exercise routine until you feel better is probably the safest way to avoid hurting yourself.  If you have been sick or have injured yourself make sure to start slow again, especially if you have been sedentary for two weeks or more. 

Overall, no matter what age, it is important to note that the benefits of exercise typically outweigh any potential risks.  This if course does not mean that everyone should take up marathon running or sky diving.  It does mean though that if you are not getting any physical activity, the effects of aging will come sooner and feel weightier than they otherwise would.  Exercise and fitness keeps us feeling young.  If you are feeling older than your years (or even, feeling your years) you may want to consider boosting your energy levels and endorphins with a nice long walk or morning swim.