Adults should get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week, and this is particularly important for seniors. As you age, the body can become less resilient to minor injuries, aches and pains, and illnesses, which is why older people should make it a point to visit a fitness center regularly. Here are a few benefits seniors can look forward to when they make exercise a part of their routine.

Why Do Seniors Need to Exercise?

1. Maintaining Strength, Flexibility, and Balance

Regular exercise is vital for retaining and increasing joint and muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. The older you get, the harder your body has to work to regenerate cells, which makes it more difficult for your muscles and bones to remain healthy and strong. Getting into the habit of regularly visiting a fitness center reduces the risk of decreasing muscle mass, bone density loss, and poor posture and imbalance.

2. Enjoying Quality Sleep

Among medical experts, the overwhelming consensus is that regular exercise is a vital component of quality sleep. To that end, it’s important to burn off excess energy before bedding down at night, even in your later years. Doing so enables the brain to shift more easily into rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep, the state in which the body is most effective at regenerating lost cells and rebuilding energy. Quality sleep may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in older adults.

3. Manage or Lose Weight

The metabolism naturally slows down with age, which can make it a challenge for many seniors to maintain a healthy weight or shift additional weight. Decreasing muscle mass and aging internal organs can further slow down the metabolism. While it’s not possible to reverse this decline, you can mitigate it by exercising regularly. Not only does exercise burn calories and preserve muscle mass and tissue health, but it can strengthen the organs and enable them to process fats and sugars more easily.

Seniors looking for ways to stay fit in Jacksonville, AR, can turn to Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Department. This local organization offers well-equipped fitness centers and recreation areas for area residents of all ages, along with plenty of fitness classes and outdoor events. Call (501) 982-4171 to speak to a helpful staff member, and visit their website to learn more about their services.