​5 Fitness Tips for Seniors – Celebrate Older Americans Month

In celebration of Older Americans Month, Mark Maccaroni, fitness manager at Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living-managed community in Tinton Falls, NJ, provides "5 Fitness Tips for Seniors".

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all older adults can benefit from regular physical activity. Exercise can positively impact our physical health in many ways, as well as our emotional and mental well-being. Workouts for older adults should include a combination of aerobic activity, strength training, and flexibility exercises.

5 Tips from Seabrook Fitness Manager Mark Maccaroni:

• Start with an Evaluation: A quick evaluation with the fitness team can help determine your strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Doing so will allow us to see your baseline and properly provide you with exercises specific to your needs.
• Less is More!: Start slow, with short durations and less load resistance than you think you can perform. The prime focus should be mobility and flexibility.
• Stay Active on Off Days: Even if you are not planning on going to a fitness center, it is essential to keep your body moving. Go for a brisk 15-minute walk outside or inside your home. Focus on breathing techniques, and add a 5-minute meditation and/or stretch break into your busy day. The more active you are on your days off, the easier it will be for your mind and body to acclimate back to where your fitness level was.
• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!: With summer approaching quickly, it is essential to keep hydrated! Ensure you have a water bottle with you while exercising. Replenishing your body during a workout plays a vital role in recovery and sustaining energy levels during your workout.
• Stay Positive!: Take it one day at a time – we all have days where we physically don't feel our best. Have a positive mindset; don't let that discourage you from returning the next day.

Mark Maccaroni is a graduate of The College of New Jersey with a bachelor's degree in health and exercise science and a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength Conditioning Association.

Seabrook is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) managed by Erickson Senior Living. Seabrook is situated on a scenic 98-acre campus in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. The community, which is home to more than 1,300 residents, is served by over 650 employees. Seabrook is supported by National Senior Communities, Inc. (NSC), the largest independent board of CCRCs in the nation. NSC's purpose is to represent the financial interests of residents to promote the highest quality programs and services for the best possible value. Additional information can be found at www.SeabrookCommunity.com.