The benefits of exercise for senior citizens can be truly life changing. Let me share with you the story of an eighty-eight year old lady named Endora. Endora is a competitive weightlifter. She started lifting weights at age seventy-nine. Her story was recently featured on the cable news network CNN.

Then there is the story of former Mr. America, Pax Beale. Pax is now seventy-seven years old and still pumps the iron along with his beautiful wife Sophie. Sophie is a knockout and almost sixty. Finally, there is the story of a man that worked out regularly all throughout his life. He was shot at age seventy and came close to losing his life. For the next eight years he held the most demanding job in the world. As you have probably guessed, that man was Ronald Reagan. What can we learn from these three inspiring stories? All three stories showcase the benefits of exercise for seniors. It is true that you and I may never become a competitive bodybuilder, a Mr. America, or the President of the United States.

Still, we can gain inspiration from the examples shown by these three senior citizens. It is an acknowledged fact that exercise is of great benefit to us as we become older. Seniors can enjoy the positive effects of many different types of exercises. Let me pause for a word of caution. Every senior is unique. While it might be perfectly fine for you to engage in a strenuous strength building or aerobic program, the same program could prove disastrous to someone else.

It is especially important for seniors to check with their doctors and other healthcare providers before embarking on a workout program. With that said, here are some great ways to exercise if you are a senior. As a healthy senior, you can get great results exercising with weights or resistance bands. Building muscle mass is very important for senior citizens. Studies show that we begin to lose muscle mass in our twenties unless we counteract the effect. Strength training is a great way to halt and reverse the process of losing muscle mass.

Exercise aerobically to protect your heart and cardiovascular system. Not only can proper aerobic exercise benefit your cardiovascular system, it can also assist you in losing a few pounds. Join a yoga class for your overall health. Yoga benefits you in so many ways. It builds strength, increases your flexibility, and improves your cardiovascular and immune systems. The benefits of yoga exercise for seniors are almost boundless. Walking is a great low impact exercise for many seniors. A brisk walk can help your heart, tone your muscles, and relieve stress. Walking requires very little equipment. Just get a good pair of shoes and you are all set.

If you have physical or medical issues that prevent you from exercising more vigorously, there are exercise programs that you can perform from a chair or wheelchair. There is likely a type of exercise that can help you to feel better and become stronger. The benefits of exercise for seniors are well worth the effort. It is crucial that you choose the type of exercise that is right for you. Choose a method of exercise that matches your ability and outlook on life. Then get out there and enjoy a better quality of life!