Fitness is For Every Body!

Article Submitted by Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, (423) 634-1234, www.SiskinRehab.org.

Siskin Hospital knows that physical fitness is for every BODY! That's why the new Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital will welcome and accommodate people of every fitness and ability level. While physical fitness concerns are usually directed to the young, studies show that many of the frailties associated with aging can be avoided, minimized or delayed through an active lifestyle. So, it's never too late to begin.

Joining an exercise facility that is designed and staffed to understand the differences between traditional training and fitness for every boy is essential. Consider the services, friendliness of the atmosphere, and amenities different facilities have to offer. Ask a lot of questions and don't be afraid to give some of the equipment a try, ensuring that the equipment will serve your needs comfortably.

Look for a staff who understands the complexities of aging. The staff should know the differences between traditional training and those who need individualized attention. While you can begin exercising at any level, a safe exercise routine must take your current physical condition and abilities into account. This assessment should be performed before you get started, protecting your body from further injury. The information should be used to create your regular routine.

In addition, ask yourself if the building and equipment have been built and engineered with you in mind. Do barriers, such as uneven flooring or doors, exist? Can you lower or adjust equipment easily or with little assistance? The exercise equipment to be used at the Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital was actually built to meet this specific need. Equipment will feature motorized seats that can be positioned by pushing a button.

Regardless of age, your routine should include these five elements to obtain or maintain physical fitness: muscular strength, aerobic endurance, flexibility, agility/balance, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Let's take a look at the impact of each of these on your quality of life.

Muscular strength is needed for daily living tasks like climbing stairs, getting out of a chair, carrying groceries, and picking up a grandchild. A healthy level reduces bone loss, maintains muscle, and reduces the risk of falls.

An adequate level of aerobic endurance is necessary to perform every day activities like walking, shopping, sightseeing, or participating in recreational activities. It reduces the chances of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers. To build aerobic endurance, take part in activities like walking, cycling, swimming or dancing.

The body's level of flexibility quickly degrades without regular stretching. The effect of this loss is a continual decrease in motion around joints, impairing most functions needed for good mobility, bending, reaching and walking. Flexibility helps to prevent lower back pain, injuries, walking abnormalities, postural stability, and reduces the risk of falling and is essential for movements like combing hair, getting dressed, and reaching for a seatbelt.

Healthy agility and dynamic balance are essential for quick maneuvering. Agility refers to movements requiring speed and coordination, while dynamic balance means maintaining postural stability while moving. These movements are needed for getting on/off a bus, going to the bathroom, and are related to walking speed. Exercises like balancing on one foot with your eyes open and then closed, walking heel-to-toe, walking on unstable surfaces, dance, and sports activities can enhance your agility and balance.

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) provides a ratio of fat to muscle. It is an indicator of physical fitness when values are between 19 and 26. Ask your health care provider to measure and track your BMI level on a regular basis.

The average life expectancy is increasing, but physical fitness can mean those years will be spent living an independent, mobile and active lifestyle. To get moving, consider joining an exercise facility, like the Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital. Because of its unique design, equipment and staffing, the center opens a new door of opportunity for those who may need a little more attention and prefer a safe, friendly atmosphere that minimizes feelings of self-consciousness.