As many people know, exercise and physical activity are good for just about everyone, including older adults. The four main types of exercise include endurance exercises, strength exercises, balance exercises, and flexibility exercises. Examples of endurance or aerobic activities include brisk walking or jogging, dancing, swimming, and biking all of which increase your breathing and heart rate. Examples of strength exercises can be lifting weights or using a resistance band to build strength and to make your muscles stronger. Balance exercises help prevent falls and can include walking backwards or sideways, walking heel to toe in a straight line or standing on one leg at a time. Flexibility exercises help to stretch your muscles and can help to keep your body limber. By doing a variation of these mentioned exercises you will have greater significance on your overall health. If you have not been active, you can start slowly and work up to your goal. How much exercise you need depends on your age and health so be sure to check with your health care provider and see what is the right for you.
NIH: National Institute on Aging
