Losing weight can be difficult, but doing so generally gets more difficult as we age. That doesn’t, however, mean we need to give up on leading healthier lives. Here is what you need to know to safely lose weight as a senior.
Community Fitness
While a gym may be tempting, it might not be efficient to lose weight. Often, there isn’t enough information provided to use equipment safely. Personal trainers might not be for everyone, but another option would be a community center fitness program. Staff are usually present to provide feedback on how you can improve not only your form but your lifestyle. They are there to listen to your specific concerns and adapt their teaching method to your needs. You also receive the benefit of being held accountable for your progress. If you eat nothing but sweets or junk and ignore your regimen at home, your weight will reflect this. The staff of community centers is there not only to help keep you accountable for yourself but also to find ways you can work with any issues holding you back from becoming healthy.
Work Out at Home
It isn’t practical to go to a gym every day to work out. Sometimes, the weather is too poor or we are too busy to make room in our schedules. Thankfully, you can set up a good home gym, which is often cheaper than a gym membership. A set of dumbbells can go a long way to getting you a good workout. When it comes to flooring, rubber is often a good option for a home gym because it can withstand the weight of gym equipment and is easy to maintain.
Weight work is easy to do with all levels of fitness, but make sure to check with your doctor before starting any regimen. Weight-bearing exercise can improve bone density, help our joints and stability, keep our weight in check, and improve strength. Resistance bands are another method of getting weight work in. They are a versatile utensil that can help develop ease of movement for those who have limited mobility. If you are worried about lack of direction or want to develop better flexibility, you could use online videos to guide you in yoga. Yoga can develop both your strength and flexibility as you build up to more intensive workouts.
Eat Right
Eating healthily is always important, but what that means varies by. If you have a specific condition, your doctor can help you develop a good plan to follow. However, there are basics everyone can follow. You’ll most likely need to decrease your caloric intake, so make sure the food you’re eating really counts. Have lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and make sure you’re getting enough healthy protein. The more naturally colorful your choices, most likely the better for you they will be. Eating frequently will keep your blood sugar stable, so aim to eat often throughout the day; six small meals are better than three large ones. Avoid processed foods when you can, so make sure that anything pre-made you buy doesn’t contain artificial colors or unhealthy preservatives. Drink plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Consider Your Conditions
We may develop different conditions as part of the aging process, so make sure whatever you are doing does not negatively impact you. Arthritis is something many of us suffer from, and while it can make beginning a workout regimen intimidating, there are specific things you can do to make it easier. As mentioned, yoga is a great way to ease into a routine while reducing inflammation. Practicing in a hot room can be even more effective. Walking and working out in water, like your local pool, can be excellent ways to gently stay active. If you have a more severe condition, speak to your doctor about what works best for you. With proper planning, anything can be accomplished. Reach out to your community and doctor, work out safely at home, and make sure you’re eating in the healthiest way possible. With the right amount of work and proper diet, you may find yourself living your fittest life yet.
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