As people get older, their bodies become weaker and their muscles begin to lose strength. It is best to start strength training as early in life as possible, but, for a senior, strength training is a vital part of a healthy life. Senior’s strength training exercises are the best way to improve movement and balance, and can also eliminate many muscle problems.

The less frequently a muscle is used, the weaker it becomes. For this reason, it is important for strength training exercises for seniors to target the right muscles, especially muscles that are not used very often or have just lost strength over the years. The best exercises are uncomplicated and simple to perform.

Many seniors who have constant pain in their muscles and joints or who have trouble with even simple movements often feel hopeless when they consider strength training. Instead, they hope their aches and movement problems will just resolve themselves, or they may become completely inactive to prevent any possible falls or injuries.

Strength training is the best solution for the muscle and movement problems experienced by seniors. The exercises are simple, with basic movements, and can be done at the gym or in the comfort of your own home. Some strength training exercises require minimal equipment, while some require no equipment at all.

The best senior strength training exercises for improving the arms are stretches and working the arm muscles with light weights. A variety of exercises that work the biceps and triceps can be performed without weights. For best results, these arm exercises should be done using light weights that can be used without strain. Even an extremely low amount of weight will provide more benefits than none at all. Arm exercises can be performed while standing, or from a sitting position.

Seniors’ strength training for legs and thighs can include simple exercises that can be done sitting or standing. One easy training exercise for the legs is to stand with the feet shoulder length apart and squat down by bending the knees. This can be repeated several times to strengthen muscles in the legs and thighs. From a sitting position, seniors should place one leg on a chair in front of them and stretch down toward their toes. Repetition of this exercise is also beneficial to the leg and thigh muscles.

There are a few simple strength training exercises seniors can use to strengthen the back. The back extension is done by lying flat on the stomach and lifting the head and shoulders to gently stretch the muscles through the back. Another simple stretch to strengthen the back can be done in a standing position by simply stretching the arms overhead as high as possible.

Even if some parts of the body no longer function as they should, there are still options for seniors to participate in quality strength training exercises. There are many different types of strength training exercises that can be performed by seniors, some in a seated position, some lying down, and some standing. Another option for those with chronic muscle and joint pain is to strength train in a heated pool.

If you are thinking of starting a senior strength training exercise plan, you should first discuss the options with your doctor. Many gyms offer strength training programs for seniors that are simple to participate in. There are also a wide variety of senior exercise and workout videos available. Remember to have fun and to keep safety the top priority. Results from strength training can often be seen in as little as 3 months!