Why weight bearing exercise is important for over 60s

Why weight bearing exercise is important for over 60s

Our Founder and Physiotherapist, Andrew Wynd was recently featured on the “Starts at 60” website giving some top tips for weight bearing exercises.

Here is a link to the article:

5 WEIGHT BEARING EXERCISES FOR OVER 60S
 

We felt you, our trusted Freestyle Feet community, might also like some information and so here it is, just for you.

Weight bearing exercises form a critical component of any fitness routine for people over the age of 60. As we age, our bones naturally lose density and become weaker, making them more susceptible to fractures and breaks. Regular weight bearing exercises can help to slow down or even reverse this process, keeping bones strong and healthy well into our latter decades.

One of the key benefits of weight bearing exercises is that they stimulate bone growth. When we engage in weight bearing activities, such as walking, running, or weightlifting, our bones respond by creating new cells and strengthening existing ones. This makes our bones stronger and less prone to fractures and breaks.

In addition to helping maintain bone density, weight bearing exercises can also improve balance and coordination. As we age, our balance and coordination can deteriorate, making it more difficult to perform everyday activities. Regular weight bearing exercises can help to improve these skills, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

Weight bearing exercises can also improve cardiovascular health. Aerobic exercises, such as swimming and cycling are great for improving heart health, but they are not enough to keep bones strong. Weight bearing exercises help to improve heart health while also providing the benefits of building and maintaining strong bones.

Lastly, but certainly not least, research shows regular exercise of any type improves mood and general health. We feel better, perform better and live longer when we exercise. So why not make your regular exercise routine a weight bearing format and get every benefit available to us.

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