How Baby BoomersGetFit by Joy Powell, President, Fitness Market (NAPSA)—Anew generation is getting involved with gyms and fitness programs in record num- bers—the baby boomer genera- tion. The 78 million Americans who makeup this generation are savvier and better versed in fit- ness than any other aging genera- tion seen before as exercise has been more ingrained in their culture anddaily routines. Exercising with others can make getting fit fun and encourage you to keep at Healthways and the Silver- your schedule. Think back to Sneakers Fitness Program recog- activities you did when you were nize that baby boomers’ reasons younger andtry different types of and motivations for getting fit are exercise to find what works best as varied as their workout interfor you. SilverSneakersoffers a ests. From tennis and yoga to hik- variety of classes to suit each pering and dance, exercise offers son’s needs. many benefits for older adults, Do a mix of cardio and including reducing and minimizing strength training. Don’t just the signs, symptoms andrisk fac. focus on oneor theother; do a mix tors for chronic diseases and condi- of both to increase strength, tionslike arthritis, obesity and dia- enduranceandflexibility. betes. Additionally, exercise can Healthways is incorporating help fight depression and improve baby boomers’ needs and wants energy, balance and strength. into its menu offitness programs SilverSneakers, the nation’s with the new FLEX program. leading exercise program designed FLEX is a community-oriented exclusively for older adults, knows program consisting of instructorthere is no one-size-fits-all solu- ledfitness activities at churches, tion for anyone, and tryingtofit community centers and parks. exercise into a busy schedule can Classes are designed to create a be hard. sense of community beyond the SilverSneakers offers these gym,with flexible and fun options workouttips for baby boomers to that keep participants engaged ensure they enjoy and stick with andactive. For more information, to see if their workout routine. Exercise with a friend. you are eligible for SilverSneakers Healthways research has shown and FLEX, andtofind a class in that 80 percent of baby boomers your area, visit www.Silver prefer to exercise with friends or a Sneakers.com. group they feel comfortable with. Joy Powell is presidentofthe This gives people motivation and Fitness Market for Healthways. accountability while making the She oversees a variety of fitness activity more enjoyable. programs, including the awardSelect an exercise that you winning SilverSneahers Fitness enjoy. Not surprisingly, you're Program, the nation’s leading much morelikely to stick to activi- exercise program designed specifities you enjoy and thatfit into cally for older adults.
