Year after year, nearly half the men and women over the age of 65 will have an injury from falling.  Studies show the fallen have one thing in common: the lack of performing weight-bearing exercises.

It’s easy to fall into a lazy, couch-potato routine during the cold winter months but the danger you create for yourself, as a result, could be life-altering.  The danger this behavior causes especially for those over 65, is the reason so many insurance companies have partnered with fitness centers to create programs designed to get seniors moving, into age-appropriate fitness classes and off the couch.

Studies show those who regularly participated in balance practice exercises such as Tai Chi and yoga fell 19% less often, while those who did functional movement exercises such as lifting and bending fell 24% less often and best of all, those who combined their routines to include balance, functional movement, and weight-bearing exercises decreased their falls by 34%.

Want to get started in a program?  While many fitness centers have group fitness classes, LifeSport Athletic Club in Libertyville, Illinois offers many low-cost options including mid-morning and mid-day classes for seniors that vary from simple movements to more advanced. You may also check with your insurance company to see if they offer Silver Sneakers, a health and fitness program designed for adults 65 & older that are included with many Medicare plans.  LifeSport Athletic Club has been a proud member of the Silver Sneakers program for more than 7 years and welcomes participants of the program into the club.

Don’t let another day go by to give yourself a chance to improve your fitness, meet new friends and most importantly-prevent unnecessary falls! 

Prefer to call the club first? Call 847.362.5553.  A staff member will be happy to get you started.