As we get older we all too often believe that we need to cut back on exercise --- at least on weight training. Perhaps, weight training or resistance training was once the venue for young men who wanted to develop muscles. Today according to all scientific evidence resistance training is just as important for senior citizens, maybe more so.
Of course, no one really expects a 65 year old woman to bench press 150 pounds. However, weight training or resistance training should be a major part of the older person's workout regime.
There are many reasons for using resistance bands rather than free weights. Often with free weights muscle strain can occur. That is not to say that it is impossible to hurt oneself with resistance bands, but it is definitely more difficult.
As we age there is a greater need than ever to keep our muscles strong. Muscular development should be continued well into our older years. In fact, many of us who have never used resistance bands should consider getting a set and beginning resistance training. All the aerobic exercise in the world will not build or maintain our muscular development or maintenance the way resistance bands can and will with proper use.
Physical therapists working with many hospice programs often use resistance bands rather than free weights to help seniors regain balance and build extra strength in weakening legs and arms. While walking is a good daily activity, it cannot develop or maintain muscles the way resistance can.
For those who are older or who have senior citizens in the family a call to the local gym or to a physical therapist's office can provide the exercises needed to keep hips and legs strong. One of the best exercises for older people is to have the person sit, tie a light weight band around the knees while they are pressed together and ask the person to remain sitting while trying to open their legs. This simple exercise that any older person can do will help strengthen the muscles in the thighs and around the hips, often preventing the muscles from degenerating and causing a fall.
For seniors resistance training cannot begin too soon. Resistance bands are very inexpensive and can be purchased online or at many health stores. The small investment of money and time can prevent falls and add to a person's mobility, adding many active years to later life.
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Many of us who are over 50 are now discovering that we have spent years working and not exercising. Sure, some of us have promised ourselves that we would lose weight or start a fitness regime, but time did not permit it. Unlike our children --- our grown children --- we put work and family ahead of our personal health and fitness.
As we age, we begin to feel tired more easily, not have the enthusiasm for life that some of our neighbors may have. That is no reason to take a seat and watch life go by. Instead, it is time to pick up the resistance bands and get fit! We have a long active life ahead. We worked for it. We earned it. And, we deserve it! Now is the time to take care of ourselves beginning with this home fitness program (especially designed for beginners and seniors).
Recently, while working with a physical therapist from a local hospice program, I noticed that he only recommended resistance bands --- no more weights --- for the older cancer patients, as well as the younger ones. Back in his office, I was quite surprised to discover that he used resistance bands for all his clients. Why? They are safe. They are lightweight. They are easy to use. There is less chance of muscle strain.
In other words, regardless of age or physical condition, physical therapists and occupational therapists have recognized the benefits of resistance bands versus free weights. The bands will help build strength, muscle tone, and stamina just as free weights will --- without the risk of hurting oneself. For those of us who are over 50 and ready to get started on a new life path, the only home exercise equipment needed to get moving is the exercise mat and resistance bands. And, of course, this DVD!
Product Features
- 6 Easy workouts on 1 DVD ranging from 5 minutes to 30 minutes
- PLUS a 4-foot beginner level latex resistance band right in the box.
As a beginner, exercises should be easy. GET OFF THE COUCH With Mirabai's Ease-in video, start with just 5 minutes a day and build up to 30 minutes at your own pace. Getting fit doesn t have to feel like getting your teeth drilled. Mirabai's Ease-in easy exercises disconnect the pain from the gain. She breaks it up into small digestible bites.
You ll be introduced to easy Cardio, Strength and Flexibility exercises. Start with just 5 minutes a day of easier than easy exercise. When it feels too easy click on 10, then 15, then 20 and so on until you re doing 30 minutes or moderate exercise the amount of exercise recommended by the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.
You really can Ease-in to the best shape of your life - In your own home, in your own comfort zone.
The Moving Free Ease-in Videos are:
- 5 minute Warm-up (Easier than Easy Intro to Cardio)
- 10 minute Warm-up & Cool Down (ease into Cardio)
- 15 minute Easy Cardio Exercise
- 20 minute Easy Moderate Cardio Exercise
- 25 minute Interval Training (Easy Moderate Cardio and Easy Strength Exercises )
- 30 minute Interval Training (Easy Moderate Cardio & Easy Moderate Strength Exercises)
- PLUS a 7 minute Info Video with facts about exercise and explaining how to use the Ease-in Easy Exercise DVD
This program is easy enough for any senior citizen, allows him or her to move at his own pace, and is easy to use as well as motivating.
Need a good exercise bike but don't have the space to store a commercial-size model? Turn to the Confidence stow-away exercise bike, which folds compactly after use for storage in a closet or corner of your home.
This bike is recommended for the occasional user, or one with limited home space. When purchasing an upright exercise bike it is important to check the width of the base. While the base of the Confidence Fitness Space Saving X Bike is quite adequate for the exerciser who does not have balance problems, even with all the benefits this bike is generally not recommended for older exercisers with balance issues. For those seniors we recommend a recumbent exercise bike with a walk through mount rather than an upright bike that requires seniors to climb aboard.
That said, this is an ideal low cost exercise bike for the apartment dweller with limited space and for those persons who are stable on their feet.
Despite its small size, the bike still offers an efficient lower-body cardio workout, with such features as an adjustable magnetic resistance system and nonskid foot pedals.
Overall, each workout on the stowaway bike burns four times as many calories as walking.
In addition, the bike includes a four-function computer that tracks your riding time, speed, distance, and calories. And thanks to the high-quality frame, the bike will keep you fit for years to come.
Other features include an adjustable padded seat, safety straps on the pedals, and a tool kit with all the necessary tools for home assembly.
The stowaway bike measures 17.5 by 53 by 22 inches (W x H x D) when folded, 17.5 by 46 by 33 inches when unfolded, and weighs 50 pounds.
Recap of Features:
- Stowaway exercise bike with folding frame for easy storage
- Adjustable magnetic resistance system and nonskid foot pedals with straps
- 4-function computer tracks your riding time, speed, distance, and calories
- Adjustable padded seat; workouts burn 4 times the calories as walking
- Measures 17.5 x 53 x 22 inches (W x H x D) when folded; weighs 50 pounds
As we age there is a greater need than ever to keep our muscles strong. Muscular development should be continued well into our older years. In fact, many of us who have never used resistance bands should consider getting a set and beginning resistance training. All the aerobic exercise in the world will not build or maintain our muscular development or maintenance the way resistance bands can and will with proper use.
