Fitness for Seniors

Summer has not only been a great time for the young to get fit and active, but also for the seniors and all the young at heart to get fit too. What better time for seniors to get out and about and enjoy the great outdoors. Medical evidence shows that if you keep fit by exercising regularly you increase your chances of living a healthier life - Feeling well, looking well, maintaining your lifestyle. The physiotherapists at The Sports Injury Clinic encourage people to keep active with sensible exercises suited to their age and physical condition.

Why exercise for seniors?

• Strength and mobility - exercise helps to prevent stiffness in your joints and helps to strengthen your muscles.
• Fitness and weight - exercise increases your heart rate and can improve your fitness by enhancing the efficiency of your heart and lungs.
• Weight - exercise increases the amount of energy your body burns up and, in combination with a healthy diet, can help you control your weight.
• Sleep - exercise can improve your sleep by increasing your sense of well-being and making you a bit tired.
• Bone health and fractures - exercise is important in the prevention of osteoporosis, and can reduce the risk of falling by improving your balance.

It's never too late!

Everybody can exercise. The level of exercise will differ for each individual. Some seventy year-olds climb mountains - others the same age will find much greater forms of exercise are appropriate. The important thing is to participate in activities that you enjoy with which you can cope. Your Physiotherapist can advise you on suitable activities.

What is best?

Increasing your fitness level means being able to do more with less effort. Remember:

• Incorrect exercises can be worse that no exercise.
• The right exercises need to be done correctly and regularly.
• Monitor your progress e.g. check for improved walking times or increased distances.
• Always warm-up and end with some muscle stretches - this helps prevent injury and stiffness.
• Wear sensible, comfortable clothes and shoes when exercising.
• Don't over exert yourself. You should be able to talk or whistle whilst exercising, otherwise you are working to hard.

We do recommend a visit to a health practitioner for assessment and to assist in setting intensity as a good first step.

How physiotherapy can help.

Physiotherapists are highly skilled in developing exercise programs to suit the needs of seniors. Although physiotherapists are particularly concerned with people who have a condition which limits them physically e.g: arthritis, stroke, a fracture, osteoporosis or heart disease, healthy people can also benefit from seeing a physiotherapists. The physiotherapists at The Sports Injury Clinic can tailor a program to suit your specific needs to optimise your physical function and fitness and can help you to remain mobile or improve mobility. We are trained specifically on physical aspects of the human body and are highly qualified to advise you on an individual graded exercise programme and help you monitor progress.

This information was produced by the Australian Physiotherapy Association, PBA - For your printable version please click here.

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HYDROTHERAPY IS HERE!

Classes are already running.

Book in for Hydrotherapy with The Sports Injury Clinic.

• Single Class $20
• 10 Pack $180
• Small groups
• 45 minute classes
• Physiotherapist instructed
• Private Health Claimable

To book in for a session call us on 03 9783 9990.