While you probably aren’t looking to get buff and toned, weight lifting can be a great way for seniors to stay healthy.  In fact, strength training is recommended for anyone past the age of 50.  If you build your strength and stay fit, you could keep up this activity well into your nineties.  (Ask your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.)

Many seniors are apprehensive about weight lifting because they don’t want to risk injury, but building muscles can actually prevent injury.  Yes, there is a risk of injuring yourself while lifting weights, but if you take precautions and lift correctly; the likelihood of hurting yourself is small compared to the benefit.  Increased muscle mass gives you increase stability and balance.  This means you’re less likely to fall and sustain a serious injury.

Strength training not only builds muscle mass, it also helps prevent loss of bone mass.  Bearing your weight on bones makes them stronger and less likely to break from osteoporosis or from an accident.

As we get older our bodies begin to break down.  This is an unfortunate fact of life we can’t avoid.  Many people who used to exercise stop because it just seems too hard or because they’re afraid they’ll injure themselves.  Many older people don’t exercise because they never did when they were young.  Research suggests that older adults can actually benefit more from daily exercise than most of their younger counterparts.

It is important for seniors to get at least four different types of exercises.  These include balance exercises, stretching exercises, strength exercises, and endurance exercises. Here are five ways to get all four types of exercise and stay healthy and strong for a long time.

Walking.  Walking is a great way to get your body moving without a lot of impact or stress.  If you don’t get a lot of physical activity, starting a walking routine can build muscle mass, or at least keep muscles from degenerating.  It also helps keep bones strong and healthy by putting some weight on them, even it it’s only your own body weight.  The best part is, walking can be done anywhere and it’s a great social workout.