Don’t Let Other Health Problems Deter You
By Bradley Hibbs,
Erickson HealthSM
Wellness Manager
Greenspring
“Everyone, no matter what their health, can benefit from exercise. It not only improves your cardiovascular system, it improves your quality of sleep, keeps you from becoming dependent on others, and fights depression,” says Vrinda Suneja, M.D., Erickson HealthSM medical director of Fox Run, a community in Michigan built and managed by Erickson.
Cardiovascular exercises are an essential part of any good exercise program. Your cardiovascular system consists of your heart, lungs, and blood vessels, bringing oxygen and nutrients to your blood and pumping cell wastes out.
Setting Up a Routine
All Erickson-built and-managed communities have an on-site Fitness Center, all of which meet the standards set by the International Council on Active Aging. Here at Greenspring, a Virginia-based Erickson built and-managed community, we average 100 residents daily in the Fitness Center. Most of our members prefer a three day a week regimen (usually Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). We design a routine that incorporates three elements: cardiovascular workout, resistance training, and stretching.
Cardiac exercises can be done daily (as long as you have gotten your doctor’s okay). Resistance exercises that work your muscles, should only be done on alternate days. Your muscles need to rest. How long you devote to each element is something you should discuss with both your physician and whoever is monitoring your fitness program.
Avoid Boredom
Aerobic exercises, swimming, walking, and bicycling are just a few cardiovascular exercises. Within these areas are numerous variations.
Consider general aerobic exercises like jump rope, tennis, even ballroom dancing. “If a resident has arthritis, I might recommend they join the aqua aerobics team in the all-season pool at Fox Run,” says Suneja.