Baby Boomers are heeding the fitness message
MESSAGES from the health and fitness sectors about getting moving and staying active for a much better quality of life are getting through to Baby Boomers.
There is also an increasing number of accredited physical trainers who are qualified in working with seniors.
Research commissioned by Fitness Australia has revealed Baby Boomers are doing far more physical activity over a year than any of the younger generations.
Fitness Australia spokeswoman Chantal Brodrick said at the top of the activity list were walking and gardening.
“From the research we are also seeing they are doing group fitness classes and strength training,” she said.
“We know that strength training can really improve and help osteoporosis — it helps strengthen our bones.”
Ms Brodrick said the Baby Boomers had come to understand the importance of moving more often to help prevent chronic health conditions and alleviate existing health issues.
“As soon as you start being active, you feel better for doing it,” she said.
Jo Hill, 73, and her husband Philip, 70, wanted to stay fit as they aged.
Jo has been active all her life, particularly as she managed the physical requirements of her severely disabled son.
“I am exercising three times a week,” Jo said.
She does a cycle class, walking, rowing and free weights.
Philip has joined Jo in the gym since he retired five years ago, but he does the exercises that suit him.
“We will keep doing this as long as we can,” Jo said.
“We won’t stop until we have to — it’s just part of our life. We feel so much better.
“We have compared ourselves to friends of the same age who walk far too slow for us. It’s a mindset as you get older, that people think older. We try not to do that.”
Before you start a fitness activity or introduce strength training to your activities, Ms Brodrick said it was vital you sought guidance from a qualified trainer.
The best place to find a registered trainer who is working near you and is qualified to work with seniors is to go to “Find Personal Trainers” on fitnessaustralia.com.au.
“This is important because you need to know you are in safe hands,” Ms Brodrick said.
“If you are starting an exercise routine, you need to know that you are working with someone who understands your body and goals, and why it is that you want to become more active.”