Exercise programs for the young at heart - Bayshore Home Health

Caring@Home blog welcomes this guest post by Trina Lambe, founder of Train by Trina.

Physical fitness and personal well-being is a vital component of everyone?s lives, especially for those who are young at heart but older in years.

Physical health is an important aspect of our overall health. Many statistics illustrate the benefits of physical health on mental health and overall well-being. Health experts and therapists tell us how physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for many chronic conditions, as well there is a strong correlation between coronary heart disease and dying from a heart attack. It?s time that older adults have a training program that meets their unique physical needs and puts them on the path of good health.

We have to stop thinking we can?t, and start saying we can. Many seniors hold back from physical exercise programs because they?re unable to perform some of the demanding physical tasks of everyday training programs. But there are ways to customize programs so that they?re safe and effective for older adults, and to help refine their physical fitness, improve their quality of life, and enhance independent living and longevity.

Through extensive research with highly qualified fitness professionals, we have developed a three-pillared training system specifically designed to safely improve the physical condition and overall health of older adults. Through an individualized assessment, a customized program is created to meet the needs of individuals who are:

Physically Dependant: Individuals who are unable to perform the basic activities of daily living, and who may require assistance with routine care such as dressing and bathing.

Physically Frail: Those who are able to conduct the basic activities of daily living, but are limited when it comes to living independently. They may require assistance with such activities like instructional activities of daily living, driving, meal preparation and homemaking.

Physically Independent: Older adults who live independently without any debilitating conditions, but experience some depleted levels of health and fitness.

Physically Fit: Those who exercise or participate in some form of elevated physical activity at least twice a week.

Physically Elite: Older adults who train/workout between five and seven days a week, compete in sports tournaments or have physically demanding jobs.

Working through the process creates a successful medically guided goal-oriented program that meets the needs of older adults and fits into their lifestyle.

What are the key components of creating a successful exercise program for seniors?

Working with seniors requires thinking outside the box (or the gym) ? it?s like putting a puzzle together. A senior?s medications, physical challenges and environmental barriers, must be taken into account in order to build an appropriate training program and to set realistic goals.

The success of the program will depend on how realistic and achievable the goals are, they can range from the complexity of dressing oneself or washing one?s own hair, or as challengingly satisfying as running a marathon.

Research shows that we have to move our bodies regularly ? daily, weekly ? to live healthy lives. Age isn?t the factor; it?s the body?s ability to elevate its heart rate. The elements of a physical exercise program must include Endurance, Flexibility, Strength and Balance training. And for any skeptics out there, it can be done at any age and it?s never too late to start.

Endurance training works our cardiovascular system. Cardio is important for anyone over 65 because, as we age, our cardiovascular system becomes depleted due to lack of use. Walking is an excellent way to improve our cardio capacity and it makes our bodies more effective and efficient for the activities of daily living.

Flexibility training improves the body?s ability to move its joints in a full range of motion. Flexibility enables us to do such everyday things as reach for items on a top shelf, or tie our shoes. The old adage ?Move it, or lose it,? certainly applies in this context.

Strength training is needed at any age to build or maintain muscle. It?s those muscles that keep us upright, helps maintain good posture and lessens aches and pains in joints.

Balance is the final element in a complete older adult training program since balance supports all components. Many factors can affect balance, such as medication, medical conditions and poor physical health. Training our joints, muscles and bones to maintain balance is key to physical well-being.

Anyone can be part of a physical training program. The objective is to coordinate an effective and positive client-trainer therapeutic relationship and implement a training program that will facilitate an independent, enjoyable and comfortable lifestyle for years to come.

Train by Trina is owned and operated by Trina D. Lambe, RMT and Fitness Success Coach. Since establishing the company in 2004, Trina has brought the world of fitness into the lives and homes of seniors and clients through customized physical training. For more information, please contact Trina at www.trainbytrina.com or call 416-788-2535.

Source: http://www.bayshore.ca/caringathomeblog/index.php/exercise-programs-for-the-young-at-heart/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=exercise-programs-for-the-young-at-heart

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