Page 74 - September Sun Rays

Get Fit

for Retirement!

By Rick Jordahl

PHOTO BY RICK JORDAHL

“The advantage of using a personal trainer is to help keep me motivated and to learn the proper techniques,” according
to Sun City resident Julie Roberts. Here, Shepherd Green, a Sun City fitness center personal trainer, instructs Roberts on
proper technique on one of the many machines available to residents.

This is the second article in a two-part se- ing balance, coordination, and mobility.” ther information.)
ries on exercising to stay fit in retirement.
Strength training can help reduce the Strength training doesn’t have to be at a
Beneficial as it may be, walking is signs and symptoms of many chronic gym, though it does help, as most facili-
not the end-all in the retirement diseases, including arthritis. “However, ties are equipped with a wide variety of
fitness world. As your body gets muscles must be challenged with a va- machines and devices that, when used
stronger and your stamina and muscles riety of exercises in order to maximize properly, are highly efficient at produc-
grow, the need for new challenges grows benefits,” Green adds. “Don’t fall in love ing results. Plus, you’re surrounded by
as well. “Walking uses the same muscles with one routine or with one exercise.” others with similar ideas and objectives.
repeatedly and if that’s your only form
of exercise after three to six months you And you’re not too old. According to the You can also increase your strength with
will likely receive diminishing benefits,” Centers for Disease Control and Preven- cardio exercises that rev up your heart
warns personal trainer Shepherd Green. tion, people with health concerns—in- rate, giving you two benefits for the price
cluding heart disease or arthritis—of- of one. Examples include climbing stairs
To achieve your next level, Green recom- ten benefit the most from an exercise at a brisk rate or doing a set of jumping
mends supplementing your walking with program that includes lifting weights jacks. A quick Internet search for cardio
weight-resistance training. “Increasing a few times each week. If you are look- exercises can provide many more ideas.
muscle strength helps seniors maintain ing to maintain your independence and
the integrity of their bones while improv- continuing your lifestyle, it’s your best As with strength training, you can avoid
prescription. (See cdc.gov/aging for fur- falling into a routine by taking on new
72 | SUNRAYS SEPTEMBER 2015 cardio exercises. “Mixing it up will pay

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