Elderly Athletes

When planning an exercise program for elderly athletes, it is important to take in specific considerations. Elderly athletes must carefully consider their muscle weakness in the lower extremities that go along with their age category. With these certain conditions in mind, training and conditioning programs should include strengthening goals regarding the lower half of the body. It is pivotal to train selective muscle groups mainly the knee and hips. As athletes age those two areas seem to be the weakest as we get older because they are used the most throughout an individuals life. While the importance of increasing strength is recognized in the elderly, the lack of aerobic fitness in the elderly tends to be an interference in accomplishing their strengthening goals.

In all likelihood, elderly athlete should continue to remain active and should participate in games for the fun and enjoyment of it. I can guarantee you that senior athletes feel better about themselves when they are able to get out there and perform daily activities. By participating in activities they will find themselves having more energy throughout the day and week. In conclusion, elders need to remain active and more importantly need to build their old strength up around the joints and areas that have become weak over the years. This will prevent injuries and other hardships seniors face as they get older. It is very simple, stay healthy, stay active and live a happy life. I truly believe that obesity is becoming an issue with our country today and we are going to have a lot of health issues with our younger generations unless we start implementing more active lifestyles with the kids growing up. That time is now.