Exercise Makes Me Feel Good

We have enough evidence to know that all of us, yes, you too, need to engage in physical activity every day. A recent article in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease highlighted the importance of exercise. The study discovered that those patients who exercised 2 ½ hours per week had a smaller decline in their quality-of-life
(that means they experienced a more enjoyable quality of life).
We have similar studies for other diseases like arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and diabetes.

The National Institute of Senior Health (nihseniorhealth.gov) provides guidance on increasing physical activity and exercise for senior adults. Research shows that even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging. Fellowship Square-Mesa provides our residents with many choices when it comes to exercising. We have fitness centers, fitness trainers, walking paths, and daily exercise classes that range from Aerobic Swimming to Yoga. Here are a few suggestions for increasing your physical activity.

·         Make it a priority. Put it at the top of your “to-do” list for the day.

·         Make it easy. Walking, stretching, and dancing are great ways to exercise.

·         Make it safe. Talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. The fitness coaches at Fellowship Square-Mesa can help assess your readiness and help you design that meets your needs.

·         Make it social. Enlist a friend or family member.

·         Make it interesting. Do the things you like to do and follow the NIH Guidelines: endurance, strength, balance and flexibility.

·         Make exercise an active decision. Multi-task the active way: walk the long way to visit a friend.

Most of all make it fun!  Visit us online today @ www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org/campus/az/mesa/