Cardio Fitness for the Elderly

One needs to understand the pressure that being overweight and lack of exercise puts on the heart and lungs. Both are relevant to people over 70 because many tend to sit down, eat more, and enjoy playing board games or, like me, on the computer. Sitting for hours is extremely unhealthy and one day an inner voice told me to join a gym. This was completely unexpected and obeying that voice was for the best.

That inner voice is well known to me for the memory of reincarnation and the link with the Universal Spirit, the real God. He has given me a job to do, which is why I spend long hours on the computer. For the past 30 years or so, exercise involved only garden maintenance and walks, plus housework.

Now the command was received and a local women’s gym just welcomed me with open arms. In addition to a biweekly rate of $38, very affordable in a boarding house, there are physical therapy classes including one for a healthy heart. It takes place twice a week and is basically very nice.

The drills are simple and over the course of 45 minutes involve small weights, steps, and ball movements such as throwing and catching. Sometimes there are also some square dance moves that help with balance. Stretching and flexing my muscles has now become a daily routine for me.

On other days, the gym offers all kinds of equipment for those who want to work out. For me the bicycle is my favorite although many use the walking and rowing machines. Other equipment allows you to stretch your neck, back, and leg muscles, which I find helpful as well.

Building muscles that have disappeared with years of inactivity is one of my achievements and being able to pick myself up off the ground when I fall is another. Since starting at this location, my balance has improved to the point where there have been no falls at home, whereas before I would trip and fall on anything in my path.

It is something that older people should consider. Don’t sit around and wait for death to catch up with you, have fun doing fitness training and show the world what you are made of. The other benefit for me has been the great friends I’ve made while working out, a real bonus.