Fitness for Seniors : Seniors, Disabled Enjoy the Great Outdoors (Part 1)
For the elderly and people with disabilities, incorporating physical activity into your daily life doesn't need to be complicated. Studies have shown that sitting around too much can be deadly.
According to an AARP bulletin, scientists are increasingly warning that sitting for prolonged periods - even if you also exercise regularly - could be bad for your health. And it doesn't matter where the sitting takes place - at the office, at school, in the car or before a computer or TV - just the overall number of hours it occurs. The bulletin goes on to say that research is preliminary, but several studies suggest people who spend most of their days sitting are more likely to be fat, have a heart attack or even die. And even people who get a lot of exercise but are sitting for long periods of time may be better off spreading out their activity throughout the day.
Whether you have a disability that keeps you bedridden, or you're a senior who doesn't get out of the house much, finding a way outdoors - even if it's your own backyard - can be a great change of scenery that enlivens your senses.
Go to a park on a beautiful day, breathe in deeply and then breathe out slowly. Now look around; the leaves on the trees gently rustling in the wind, the sun's rays fighting through the clouds and the grass below you vibrant green and soft. You didn't have to run a mile, or move much for that matter, but the health benefits of being outside and getting fresh air are undeniable.As you can imagine, the benefits of exercising while outdoors can provide the same, if not better, results.
Here are just some of the many ways just about anybody can get outside and get moving:
Outdoors
Even if you do a little activity at a time throughout the day, research shows that it is more beneficial than if you didn't at all.
What other kinds of activities can you engage in to stay fit outside? Share them here!
According to an AARP bulletin, scientists are increasingly warning that sitting for prolonged periods - even if you also exercise regularly - could be bad for your health. And it doesn't matter where the sitting takes place - at the office, at school, in the car or before a computer or TV - just the overall number of hours it occurs. The bulletin goes on to say that research is preliminary, but several studies suggest people who spend most of their days sitting are more likely to be fat, have a heart attack or even die. And even people who get a lot of exercise but are sitting for long periods of time may be better off spreading out their activity throughout the day.
Whether you have a disability that keeps you bedridden, or you're a senior who doesn't get out of the house much, finding a way outdoors - even if it's your own backyard - can be a great change of scenery that enlivens your senses.
Go to a park on a beautiful day, breathe in deeply and then breathe out slowly. Now look around; the leaves on the trees gently rustling in the wind, the sun's rays fighting through the clouds and the grass below you vibrant green and soft. You didn't have to run a mile, or move much for that matter, but the health benefits of being outside and getting fresh air are undeniable.As you can imagine, the benefits of exercising while outdoors can provide the same, if not better, results.
Here are just some of the many ways just about anybody can get outside and get moving:
Outdoors
- Take walks
- Ride a bicycle
- Do push ups against a sturdy tree
- Take long, deliberate strides to the mailbox
- Walk up and down stairs
- Find a quiet place in the woods and do some deep breathing exercises
- Work in the garden
- Go to the park and meandor
- Sweep the porch
Even if you do a little activity at a time throughout the day, research shows that it is more beneficial than if you didn't at all.
What other kinds of activities can you engage in to stay fit outside? Share them here!
Source...