It’s never too late to get in shape, and what better time to do so than during retirement? Keeping yourself fit means keeping yourself sharp, and slowing down the aging process is just one of many well-known benefits that regular exercise has to offer.
If you’re feeling held back by intimidation, lack of motivation, or a fear of injury, try a senior gym. They’re cropping up everywhere, and the timing couldn’t be better; with 10,000 people turning 65 every single day, demand is booming. While all-ages gyms are adequate, specialized gyms for older adults offer benefits beyond what you’ll find at a typical fitness center.
As an independent living community, Ventura Townehouse prioritizes active aging and senior fitness, and we’ve incorporated these ideas into our amenities and features. That’s why we have a fitness room that’s tailored specifically for seniors, along with our personal trainer, “Mr. Fitness.”
Considering joining a senior gym? Keep reading to find out what to expect.
The equipment you’ll find at a senior fitness center looks a lot like that of any other gym, but if you look closer you’ll notice a few differences. For example, some senior gyms forgo treadmills in lieu of air-powered resistance training and low-impact cardio machines.
Staffing is another key difference. Many senior gyms are run by seniors and employ trainers who are seniors themselves. In fact, some retirees are finding a second calling as personal trainers, and you’re likely to find them working at a senior fitness center over an all-ages gym. A good trainer who understands the needs of a gym’s clientele can ensure members don’t overdo it when working out, and can also make personalized recommendations.
Finally, the atmosphere in senior gyms tends to be more welcoming. While many people enjoy loud music to keep up their momentum, others find the blasting stereos that are pervasive in fitness environments to be annoying, if not intimidating. Senior gyms tend to be quieter and more comfortable, opting to play tunes from earlier eras like the ‘50s and ‘60s, and at a lower volume to boot.
Conclusion: Staying active is an important part of a healthy senior lifestyle.
Staying active is an important part of a healthy senior lifestyle, and senior gyms make it easy to keep in shape. With relatable employees, a comfortable atmosphere, and more appropriate equipment, it’s easy to see why senior fitness centers are so popular.
Ventura Townehouse is a senior living community in Ventura, CA, and we believe in the importance of active aging and senior gyms. For more information about our amenities, or to see our fitness center for yourself, click here.
