Exercise is important, whatever age you may be and the gym is one of the best places to get active and stay active. Many may see the gym as the domain of young people only, but that’s just not the case and to prove it, we’ve put together 10 reasons why over-65s should join the gym.
Don’t Just take our Word for it!
Michael Weyman, a 69-year-old Everyone Active member at the Sunderland Aquatic Centre has really felt the benefit of regularly attending his local gym. Having fallen out of exercise after a long military career, he’s a man transformed, having lost 4 ½ stone. He now attends the gym five times a week and follows a hospital diet plan.
“I used to hate exercise, but I couldn’t live without going to the gym now and I actually miss it if I don’t go!
“Since going to the gym I have so much more energy. My mental health has also improved, I feel more relaxed and I don’t worry as often. I’m also much more confident because I don’t feel embarrassed about my weight anymore.”
“I’d recommend the gym to everyone, you have got to make the effort but it’s worth it. I’m very proud of myself for what I’ve achieved so far, I’ve even managed to reduce my insulin intake by over half due to my weight loss.
“I used to get out of breath when walking in the Welsh hills but recently my grandchildren have to tell me to slow down! I know that I’ll be living longer to see them now, so getting fit and healthy has made a world of difference to me.”
10 Reasons to join the gym if You’re Older
Staying active as you get older is a great way to stay healthy and continue to enjoy your life to its fullest. The gym is a great place to do this. Check out just 10 of the reasons why you should join the gym right here.
It’ll Help You Live Longer
We all know exercise is good for you, but sometimes we don’t fully register just how important it is. This may sound dramatic, but there’s no denying the fact that regular exercise will increase your life expectancy. This is because it makes your heart and lungs stronger, improving your cardiovascular fitness, helping stave off conditions that affect these two vital organs.
According to the World Health Organisation, a sedentary lifestyle is one of the 10 leading causes of death and disability. Even just gentle, regular exercise such as walking on the treadmill or cross trainer can help increase your lifespan by between three and five years.
It’s Great for your Social Life
By getting down the gym regularly, you’re likely to start recognising some familiar faces. Why not start making friends with these people? It’s been proven that by exercising with friends or partners, you’re much more likely to keep going and, by extension feel the benefit of all that effort!
Joining the gym Helps Keep Dementia at bay
Research published by the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease that exercising regularly will help reduce your chances of suffering from dementia in later life. This is a compelling reason to join the gym on its own, never mind in conjunction with everything else on this list!
Reduce Risk of Falls
Exercise, and specifically working out in the gym is ideal for improving muscle strength and bone density. Both of these factors will help make you much less likely to be subject to falls, thanks to the increased joint strength and balance you’ll enjoy. The World Health Organisation says that people who exercise regularly are 40% less likely to suffer from a fractured hips.
You’ll Enjoy it!
This is a really important point to make. Exercise is great fun! Not only will you get a rush of endorphins as a result of working out in the gym, but you’ll make new friends and enjoy the results of regular exercise, too.
Stress Relief
Exercise has been proven to be great for your mental health, regardless of age. Not only does it give you that aforementioned rush of endorphins, but people will also get a boost of self-confidence from the results of exercise. Furthermore, some exercises, like the battle ropes or boxercise are fantastic for helping release your frustrations in a healthy way.
Reduce your Risk of Stroke or Heart Disease
With improved cardiovascular fitness – which comes as a result of frequent aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, cycling, rowing, etc) – comes more protection against serious heart and lung conditions.
Keeps your Bones Strong
According to the National osteoporosis Society, one in two women and one in five men will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Regular exercise is a great way to help protect yourself against this. Regularly performing weight-bearing exercises like walking or jogging on the treadmill will have a significant impact on your bone density and strength and reduce your chances of breaking or fracturing a bone.
Help keep your Independence
The mobility benefits of staying active, as well as the physical and mental health benefits all play a key role in helping you stay independent as you get older. Moreover, however, it’s also been found that exercise improves balance and reduces older people’s fear of falling and, by extension, going out.
Prevent or Delay Disease
People who suffer from conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and high cholesterol all benefit from regular activity, while working out frequently can also help stop these conditions rearing their ugly heads in the first place.