Talk with your doctor if you are unsure about doing a particular exercise.īalance exercises help prevent falls, a common problem in older adults that can have serious consequences.Breathe out as you lift or push, and breathe in as you relax.Don’t hold your breath during strength exercises and breathe regularly.Below are a few examples of strength exercises: Try to do strength exercises for all of your major muscle groups at least 2 days per week, but don’t exercise the same muscle group on any 2 days in a row.

Add a band or move on to a stronger band (or more weight) when you can do two sets of 10 to 15 repetitions easily. If you are a beginner, try exercising without the band or use a light band until you are comfortable. Other people use resistance bands, stretchy elastic bands that come in varying strengths. If you do, start by using light weights at first, then gradually add more. Some people choose to use weights to help improve their strength. Read and share this infographic and help spread the word about the everyday benefits of exercise and physical activity. Some people call using weight to improve your muscle strength “strength training” or “resistance training.”

You are less likely to fall when your leg and hip muscles are strong. Keeping your muscles strong can help with your balance and prevent falls and fall-related injuries. Strong muscles help you stay independent and make everyday activities feel easier, like getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, and carrying groceries. Your muscular strength can make a big difference. If you can only say a few words before you have to take a breath, it’s vigorous-intensity activity. When you’re being active, try talking: if you’re breathing hard but can still have a conversation easily, it’s moderate-intensity activity. To prevent injuries, use safety equipment, such as a helmet when bicycling.Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothes as needed for hot and cold weather.If you are going to be exercising outdoors, be aware of your surroundings.If your doctor has told you to limit your fluids, be sure to check before increasing the amount of fluid you drink while exercising. Be sure to drink liquids when doing any activity that makes you sweat.Listen to your body: endurance activities should not cause dizziness, chest pain or pressure, or a feeling like heartburn.Do a little light activity, such as easy walking, before and after your endurance activities to warm up and cool down.Try to be active throughout your day to reach this goal and avoid sitting for long periods of time. Build up to at least 150 minutes of activity a week that makes you breathe hard.

Increase your endurance or “staying power” to help keep up with your grandchildren during a trip to the park, dance to your favorite songs at a family wedding, and rake the yard and bag up leaves. Physical activities that build endurance include: They also can delay or prevent many diseases that are common in older adults such as diabetes, colon and breast cancers, heart disease, and others. Endurance exercises improve the health of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system. These activities help keep you healthy, improve your fitness, and help you perform the tasks you need to do every day. Read and share this infographic about the four types of exercise.Įndurance activities, often referred to as aerobic, increase your breathing and heart rates.

Endurance fitness centers