PT offers tips for seniors when working out

Getting active is only half the battle. Staying active is the rest.

Physical therapist and co-owner of JET Physical Therapy in Washington, Eric Turner, said there are many factors that go into finding the right routine.

During the summer, the time of day someone works out outside can be determined by the weather, he said. Some people prefer working out in the mornings and create a routine. When the weather is hot in the afternoon, this is a perfect time to get outside.

'Any time is better than nothing and being able to get the routine established so it's just part of their ordinary daily life,” he said.

There is some slight evidence that suggests working out in the morning is better for the body and working out late at night can make it more difficult for some to sleep, but over all as long as the exercise gets done, there is no right or wrong time, he said.

'If someone were to ask the absolute best time I would say first thing in the morning but doing it any time is better than none at all,” he said.

Before going outside, the proper footwear will be required. Turner said this is an important step because it effects the entire body.

There are many different types of shoes that will match different needs of an individual, such as posture, arch, and width. What works for one may not work for all, so asking for help from a knowledgeable vendor for guidance is recommended.

Although style and comfort are two big contenders, Turner suggests individuals ensure the shoes are good for overall posture. The knees, hips and lower back can be effected by not having enough support from ill fitting footwear.

'It wouldn't necessarily have impact on how comfortable they feel on their feet but if they aren't being positioned and supported in the right manor, it would effect all the way up the body,” he said.

Once footwear is established, finding the right exercises to fit the goals of the person are next, he said. Again, consistency is key with these, Turner said. Some people prefer walking while others like other forms of aerobics, such as yoga. As long as there is sufficient repetition, goals can be met.

Exercises can be tailored according to what area of the body the person would like to strengthen. Walking, jogging and biking are great for someone looking to improve heart and lung strength, he said. Wall push-ups, squats and lunges are better suited for muscle toning.

An important thing to remember when exercising is frequency, he said. If working the entire body, individuals should workout fewer days because the body needs more time for recovery. If working on sections, such as arms one day and legs another, rotating between days will help with that recovery time.

Another important aspect to workouts for seniors is ensuring the exercises are safe. For many, arthritis or a past surgery can be an obstacle but finding a way to improve or maintain the effected area is important, he said.

Knowing limits and making sure to respect boundaries of ones body will ensure the exercises are helping and not hurting. Asking a physical therapist or doctor for guidance is recommended.

'For seniors, I think one of the main things is how they address or adapt their workouts for their medical history,” he said.