October 10, 2017

Age Smart, Age Strong, Age Flexible

The hardest step is taking the first step.  Starting an exercise regimen can be intimidating, especially when over the age of 50.  Studies have shown that exercising regularly helps with balance, physical strength and mental health.  According to the National Institute on Aging at NIH, there are four (4) different types of exercise:

  • Endurance, which increases your breathing and heart rate.  They keep your heart, lungs and circulatory system healthy and improve your overall fitness.  Building your endurance makes it easier to carry out many of your every day activities.
  • Strength, which makes your muscles stronger.  These exercises help you stay independent and carry out every day activities, such as carrying groceries and climbing stairs.
  • Balance, which helps prevent falls, a common problem with older adults.
  • Flexibility, which stretches your muscles and gives you more freedom of movement for other exercises as well as for your every day activities.

We all want to stay independent for as long as we can, so the South Arkansas Center on Aging in El Dorado has partnered with Healthworks Fitness Center, 304 N. Madison, El Dorado, to offer different types of physical activity targeting older adults.

Tai Chi:  an ancient Chinese tradition is a means of alleviating stress and anxiety, a form of “meditation in motion.”  It promotes serenity and inner peace, health and longevity.  Healthworks Fitness Center, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 am – 11:30 am.  Please call 870-862-5442 for more information.

Drums Alive:  designed for seniors and baby boomers, Drums Alive burns fat, improves physical and mental fitness, and is fun!  Modifications for seated work are also demonstrated.  Healthworks Fitness Center, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 am – 10:30 am.  Please call 870-862-5442 for more information.

Ageless Grace:  anti-aging exercises almost anyone can do.  The Ageless Grace program – 21 Simple Tools for Lifelong Comfort and Ease – can be done by almost anyone of any age or ability.  South Arkansas Center on Aging, 106 W. Main Street, Suite 310, once a month, 10:00 am – 10:45 am.  Please call 870-881-8969 for more information or to register.

Senior Strength and Yoga:  this workout is designed specifically with seniors in mind.  Strength is 25 minutes of very light to moderate strength exercise, followed by 25 minutes of assisted yoga using the chair to improve strength, balance, flexibility and clarity of mind.  Healthworks Fitness Center, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 10:30 am.  Please call 870-862-5442 for more information.

For information on these, or any of our programs, or to join our mailing list, please call 870-881-8969 or e-mail npatterson@uams.edu.