Training for the elderly!

Ok so for starters, at Genesis Fitness Club in Doncaster where I work, I take regular COTA (over 50's) classes for men and women every week. I've been doing this for the past year, and have picked up a few tips if you're elderly and want to keep fit and strong (who doesn't?!).


1. JOIN A GYM! Yes, the place were people go to improve their already sculpted bodies... right? Wrong!! If you want to improve posture, protect against osteoporosis, improve joint strength, decrease risk of heart disease and diabetes, or just lose a few kilo's, then your local gym is the place for you!


2. Strength training can help;
a) decrease blood pressure
b) decrease risk of, or help maintain, osteoporosis by increasing bone density
c) improve joint strength and help protect against injury
d) protect against arthritis


3. Circuits! Mix up your training with circuit work... this will work all of the muscles in your body and work your cardiovascular system as well.


4. Balance work is essential, as proprioception (sense of ones body in space) and balance tend to go out the window when we age. Try walking along a 'tightrope'. Find a line drawn across the ground and try to walk along it as though you were walking along a tightrope; walk along the centre of the line with your arms outstretched, walking toe to heel along the whole line.