Never Too Late To Get Better: Why Rowing Machines Can Be Good For Seniors

As much as we may not want to admit it, age catches up to us all. We don’t necessarily perform as well as we may have a year ago, five years ago, ten years ago. You may be surprised at how often you may think or remark about how differently you could have done something when you were younger.

Even so, for those of us who may be up in years, there is nothing that says we are not allowed to be at our best and get into shape. There are senior citizens who are still as active as they once were – in some cases, even more active than in days past. Age alone is not a barrier to health and fitness. In fact, a rowing machine can be an excellent aid to help seniors maintain their health. Consider some reasons that seniors can benefit from regular workouts and how rowing can play a part in it.

According to research, a large number of people over the age of forty tend to be very inactive, sometimes spending over ten hours a day reclining. While seniors may not be able to do as much as younger people, being inactive can be detrimental to their health. Inactivity can contribute to their lack of physical ability, such as being able to travel up and down stairs, taking walks and carrying objects. It can also contribute to a higher risk complications including heart disease, Alzheimer’s and premature death.

Lack of activity can result in loss of physical health, but being physically active can do the opposite. Exercise helps to fight atrophy, strengthens muscles and builds stamina. It also helps coordination by improving balance, reducing the risk of fall-related accidents and injuries. Working out for seniors even confers mental benefits, helping them retain their memory and thinking capacity by maintaining blood flow to the brain and even encouraging brain cell growth.

The benefits of physical activity can be much more long-term. Regular workouts promote the body’s immune system, which can help seniors fight off age-related conditions like diabetes, stroke, and even some forms of cancer. While the common belief is that physical activity is harmful to older people, nothing could be farther from the truth. Exercise can actually save the lives of elders, helping them resist dangerous conditions.

It is important to keep in mind that nobody, especially seniors, should be pushed to extremes in physical activity. Starting small is key. This is what makes a rowing machine indispensable for seniors. Most rowers allow for the user to be seated when using it, meaning that little to no unnecessary strain will be put on the legs and back. Rowers can be adjusted to varying intensities, so there is no need to feel trapped on one setting that may not be what you need or want. And these exercise devices deliver a total workout when used, potentially letting all of your major muscle groups get a taste of the action.

It is never too late to get in shape. Regardless of your age, getting started now can help you become healthy and circumvent potential illnesses and complications down the road. If you have a rowing machine at home, then you definitely have an excellent tool to help you improve your well-being. If you don’t yet have one of these helpful exercise aids, check here and see which one could fit your needs.

Never Too Late To Get Better: Why Rowing Machines Can Be Good For Seniors Credit Picture License: E Accent Ecu photograpy via photopin cc