Baby boomers are beginning to turn 60 this year. They also are creating the largest health and fitness market ever known. Baby boomers built their reputation as the youth generation, and they’re not turning 60 without making bold statements. They want quality of life, and to look good and feel good as they age.
What are baby boomers looking for in their search for physical fitness? They’re looking for high-energy workouts without negative impact results. They’re looking for ways to prevent the aging process, or at least slow it down. Walking is a popular exercise as well as water aerobics. Yoga is finding a new following because of its low impact and stretching routines. Recent reports show that walking, even if it is a slow walk and not high paced, is still good for your health.
Preventing disease is also something boomers want out of their exercise program. They want to avoid the high cost of medical care when they are seniors and are working at staying healthier, longer. Many want to stay fit so they can play with grandchildren, enjoy their families, and be able to take part in their favorite activities. Socially, it is important they are able to take part in social functions with their peer group. Bicycling, bowling, and golf not only give them a social life but also help make them physically fit.
Heart health is important to baby boomers. Keeping a moderate weight and taking part in an exercise plan are the best ways to keep your heart pumping. Over five million people are diagnosed with coronary heart disease every year. As boomers start aging, that number will continue to increase.
Boomers are looking for ways to improve their coordination, improve their posture, and give them a better sense of balance. Deepwater workouts are growing in popularity as well as the practice of yoga. Yoga is a wonderful low-impact way to improve posture, give you better balance, and relieve stress in your life. There are classes for all ages, sizes, and physical abilities. Most yoga instructors are happy to work with a class participant to help find the yoga routine that is best for them. Yoga also gives you a sense of peace and serenity with integrating meditation into the routine.
So many reports have been filed of near miraculous results from water aerobics. People who are recovering from surgeries, injuries, and accidents find that water spans the bridge between injuries and an active lifestyle.
Weight training is becoming a popular addition to many boomer workouts. If boomers are fortunate enough to avoid heart disease, they are likely to die of a fall. Strengthening legs and arms will help prevent chances of falling. It’s been proven that even working with a small weight can increase flexibility and strength.
The boomer generation is expected to live longer than previous generations. They want to do so gracefully and youthfully. They want to be physically fit, manage aging, get relief from back and joint pain, and bounce back from physical ailments.
Boomers are also looking for places where they can exercise without embarrassment. They don’t want to have to watch young, thin, and limber young bodies bounce right through any routine. More and more health clubs are meeting this need by having classes specifically for their boomer age customers.
Boomers are also eating healthier, especially when it comes to fats that cause high cholesterol levels and sodium that contributes to high blood pressure. Exercise is an important part in keeping cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control. Physical exercise can also help bring down high blood pressure. Both are contributors to coronary heart disease.
Staying flexible and limber allows boomers to enter normal activities and will give them more pleasure as they age. Preventing the ailments that go with aging is their priority. Boomers are not going into their golden years sitting in a rocking chair and taking naps. They are bounding into their later years with joy and enthusiasm and a continued zest for life.
Boomers are preparing for later years. They are eating healthier and getting more exercise to be able to fully enjoy their retirement years.