Inspiration for Seniors Who Want to Stay Fit
Ranked #12,023 in Healthy Living, #193,120 overall
Exercise and Fitness at Any Age
It is not always easy to stay motivated when it comes to exercising and fitness routines, and most of us get started only to slowly give up. As we age fear of injury sets in and many seniors feel safer not being active. However, it has been proven that there are many health benefits of being active as we age. Muscles influence balance, bone strength and even helps burn calories.
Unfortunately, we lose muscle mass as we grow older, but with exercise muscle mass can be increased at any age. An article by Richard Weil, MEd CDE titled "Senior Exercise" explains study results of nursing home residents in Boston, he says the results showed a 2.7% increase in thigh mass; 12% increase in walking speed; and 113% increase in leg strength.
Photo Credit
Ernestine Shepherd is an Inspiration
Senior, Grandmother and 74 yr young Female Bodybuilder...
It is wonderful to see a beautiful woman who has her natural graying hair, and she looks awesome. Ernestine Shepherd is an inspiration in more than one way. Exercise is a must, says the world's oldest competitive female bodybuilder, at 74 she tells the world her amazing story in this video.
A while back while doing some research Ernestine Shepherd's story popped up in a search result, and it was so interesting and inspiring that learning more about her journey became a priority. At age 74 Ernestine Shepherd became the Guinness World Records' oldest female bodybuilder, which is an amazing accomplishment.
This Baltimore grandmother started with her sister at age 56, and Ernestine explains how she and her sister started out slowly with aerobics. According to an article dated June 13, 2010 by Good Morning America Ernestine Shepherd stated, "I was too prissy to exercise," [and] "I just didn't want to have my hair messed up. Didn't want my fingernails broken." which many of us can relate to, right.
What Can We Learn From Ernestine Shepherd
Ernestine Shepherd is wise, she has a trainer and a nutritionist. Her most inspirational message, for me and probably many others, is to be determined, dedicated and disciplined. The three D's that make perfect sense when you think about it. Oh, and don't think of exercising as work or you'll quickly become discouraged.
Following her story and many other seniors who believe that age should not stop you from being active and staying as fit as possible offers encouragement and motivation. You know it is normal or should we say more common to feel that age means our bodies are ready to crumble so we must restrain from physical activity. Research and medical studies have convinced me that is just a misconception.
Daily exercise & Eating Healthy
are key to staying fit at any age!
Juice Your Way to Better Health
Jack's Juicer...
A professional juicer from a man who knew what it took to stay healthy and live long. When it comes to exercise and staying fit the body needs nutrients, and drinking pure juice is recommended by Jack himself (R.I.P.)! Why juicing is healthy, many believe it's because we get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrition from fresh fruits and vegetables and eliminate preservatives or additives.
When you use a quality juicer you benefit from natural essentials that your body needs.
Jack Lalanne PJP Power Juicer Pro Stainless-Steel Electric Juicer
Amazon Price: $146.99 (as of 06/04/2012)
Motivating Seniors to Stay Active
Can't Hold Light Weights Due to Arthritis
Wrist weights eliminate the need to grip and hold...
You can get more details about these weights and read what other users have to say so you can make an informed decision about which type is right for you or a loved one. The reason that I recommend wrist and ankle weights is because I use them and find them to be very helpful when using hand-held weights is not convenient. They are great for walking, and even around the house while doing chores.
Thera-Band Comfort Fit Ankle/Wrist Cuff Weight Sets - Sold in Pairs
Amazon Price: (as of 06/04/2012)
List Price:
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Handheld Weights
Start light and build up...
Light weights are great for toning, and slimming. With light hand-held weights I do more reps and when I use a heavier weight then I do less reps so I don't strain. Before you start your routine educate yourself on proper use and safety, you want to get healthy not injure yourself.
Valeo HW2 2-Pound Neoprene Hand Weights
Amazon Price: $7.97 (as of 06/04/2012)
Isokinetics Inc. Brand Folding, Adjustable Pedal Exerciser
Great for seniors...
You can see more images and read comments from others and get more details. Movement is important for the body, and every little bit counts.
Isokinetics Inc. Brand Folding, Adjustable Pedal Exerciser
Amazon Price: $46.00 (as of 06/04/2012)
Swiss Balls with Exercise Bands
Seniors use stability balls to increase balance...
Just sitting on a stability ball gives you an effortless workout from balancing, add some stretching and warm up those muscles.
Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit (65cm)
Amazon Price: $19.98 (as of 06/04/2012)
List Price: $24.98
Used Price: $18.26
Usually ships in 24 hours
Age, Exercise and Fitness - Comments?
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Phillyfreeze69
Sep 5, 2011 @ 3:22 pm | delete
- Earnestine Shepard is an amazing woman and inspiration. Scientist have discovered that muscles will respond to physical activity at any age...well almost! Great lens that has inspired me to do a little excercising at least 3 times a week.
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Jolene_Belmain
Jun 22, 2011 @ 3:52 pm | delete
- Wow I cannot believe she is 74, she looks so young.
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Donita_Marie
Jun 22, 2011 @ 8:04 pm | delete
- Isn't she amazing.
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Tipi
Jun 19, 2011 @ 12:16 am | delete
- I grew up watching Jack LaLanne, he sure was ahead of his time and never quit.
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Donita_Marie
Jun 19, 2011 @ 2:08 am | delete
- Wasn't he an amazing guy, it was so cute to watch him with his wife too!
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by Donita_Marie
Down to earth, and open minded person with many interest.
Forever Young by Jack Lalanne
Forever Young: Exercise At Any Age
Amazon Price: $59.15 (as of 06/04/2012)
In this DVD Jack shares his secrets with you, you learn his secret to weight loss, strength, flexibility and endurance, Jack, joined by Elaine will motivate you to live life to the fullest at any age.
Jack Lalanne has an amazing history as a bodybuilder, and he never stopped exercising or working out because of age. Jack Lalanne is an inspiration to seniors and anyone else who wants to stay fit and healthy. His advice is worth its weight in gold!
Heart Rate Monitor for Cardio Workouts
Suunto t3d Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Training Watch(Black)
Amazon Price: (as of 06/04/2012)
Track and monitor your heart rate and more while you are getting fit, this is a great way to keep track of goals and progress.
This monitors your heart rate in real-time, you'll see how many calories you burned. The watch comes with dual time, date, alarm, stopwatch, making measuring your speed, distance easy.
Bodybuilding by Joe Weider
Joe Weider's Ultimate Bodybuilding
Amazon Price: $8.07 (as of 06/04/2012)
Seniors like Ernestine Shepherd can motivate anyone at any age to get fit, if you are interested in learning more about bodybuilding, Joe Weider is a legend in the field.
You don't have to lift hundreds of pounds, seniors can add light repetitions with 1 to 2 pound weights to their exercise routine, or use a stability ball for balancing, yoga, pilates and stretching exercises. Always check with your doctor before starting a workout regime.
