Are walking and rowing machines good exercises for Seniors

by Kevin
(Sydney...Australia)

At 81 years of age I go to gym twice a week spending 12 minutes on a stationery bike and 12 minutes on a rowing machine - both at a gentle pace. I walk for 30 minutes each day before breakfast.

I hope these are good exercises to avoid the need for knee and hip replacements which so many of my contemporaries are having.

I have atrial fibrillation so cannot do any strenuous exercises, but am otherwise in good health.

Are both these exercises appropriate and the best I could be doing - I am not a "natural" athlete!!

Thank you,
Kevin

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Are walking and rowing machines good exercises for Seniors

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May 23, 2011
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Walking and rowing machines
by: Douglas Schrift

Jack Lalanne once said walking was the king of exercises?. He is right in that walking improves not only our mood, but our endurance and strength as well.

Walking keeps the joints lubricated and nourished, strengthening the ligaments and tendons throughout our ankles, hips and knees. Walking works to strengthen our heart and lungs by increases in our respiratory and heart rates.

When walking, pick a pace that increases your breathing and heart rate. Swing your arms freely, straighten your spine and look straight ahead, not at the ground. Lift your heel up and then place it down, try not to step with a flat foot.

The rowing machine not only improves our strength and endurance in our legs and upper body, but does so in a way that simply walking cannot. When correctly performed, rowing targets the legs, back and shoulders quite nicely.

Make sure to pull back all the way through the movement by squeezing your shoulder blades together at the end of your pull, while straightening out your cervical spine.

This addresses one of the primary structural deficits of seniors, namely the forward flexed posture in which the shoulders and head come forward creating a rounded spine and decreased stature.

Your have chosen two great ways to work out, especially for older adults! Good job.

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Disclaimer: Please note: The authors comments are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute personal medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. Please consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program or otherwise increasing your activity level.

Hi! My name is Doug and I'm a Physical Therapist, geriatric specialist and senior fitness coach. Take a look around. I've got a lot of great free senior fitness information including videos and exercises. I want to help YOU get stronger, more independent and more balanced.