Cathy Segarra, Sun City/Huntley’s Wellness Department Nurse, advises seniors to “check with your doctor before starting any exercise. You may have some limitations–arthritic or back issues [for example].”
“For those with arthritis or fibromyalgia,” she added, “research shows water therapy, in a certain water temperature, will help.”
She also said seniors should find activities they enjoy while also exercising in ways that target body parts that need strengthening or pain relief.
Sun City resident Hilda Schmidt has suffered from back discomfort for about 40 years. She now has a daily regimen of exercises that work for her in relieving the pain and helping her to fully function.
“Upon awakening in the morning, I do bed tai-chi for my back. Next, I stand and do more tai-chi using stretching exercises that allow me to arch my back,” she said. “Then I’m fine to swim four laps of freestyle and six laps of elementary backstroke in our pool here.”
Allow for some scheduling adjustments, especially if you are a diabetic. If something “feels wrong,” scale back. Contrary to the old adage, “no pain, no gain,” exercise should never hurt or make you feel lousy. Quit immediately and call your doctor if you experience shortness of breath or chest pains. Indeed, start slowly, especially if you have not engaged in exercise for a long time. Build gradually in time and intensity of your workout. Become disciplined in your commitment to exercise. There is no easy way to get yourself into a schedule, but setting achievable goals can help. At the beginning, commit to a three-to-four week program. Eventually, it will become a great habit.
Another Sun City resident, Joyce Fik, who tries to exercise daily, likes to mix up her sports for cross-training here and in Florida (tennis, biking, walking, swimming, kayaking, and hiking). “I walk outside [in all kinds of weather]. Nothing stops me! I even hike three times a week.”
If you are a senior who struggles with mobility, being fit is still an option. Check the Sun City/Huntley Wellness Department and your November Lifestyles magazine for a special class, Sit N’ Fit, meant especially for you. Exercises utilizing strength training, resistance, flexibility, and even some endurance movements will amaze you as you become more physically active.
Challenge yourself by trying to do an exercise regimen daily for 45 minutes to an hour, if you can. You can also split these periods of time into smaller segments throughout the day, if necessary. Find ways to use your body actively as you go about your daily chores:
1. Skip the elevator and use the stairs
2. Park at the far end of the parking lot
3. Tend to the garden and rake leaves
4. Wash the floors and vacuum
You can make your exercise less full of drudgery by listening to music while you workout or by joining new friends in an exercise class. If your exercise routine has become boring, join a competitive group to help you become more goal-oriented. Whatever you choose to do, make it a purposeful movement of the body. Let’s get moving!
