Senior Fitness

At Elevate, we not only help people return from injury but also help people become fit. But what is fitness?

Fitness is a state of health, more specifically the ability to perform daily activities, sports, or occupations without undue fatigue and with decreased risk for mortality. Simply put, If you are fit you will get injured less, you will feel better and live longer.

Improving fitness via increased lean body mass, cardiorespiratory fitness, and strength also  increases physiological reserve. This means that you will have a better capacity to deal with the stress of disease or illness.

Schiller Park Fitness Class

But are you meeting the key requirements to be fit for day to day life?

The Department of Health & Human Services created standards for each age group. The key guideline focus on two types of activities – aerobic and muscle strengthening. 

Unfortunately, only 26 percent of men, 19 percent of women, and 20 percent of adolescents report sufficient activity to meet the guideline. Worse yet, the number is likely to lower. A study done by Zenko 2019, less than 10% of adults meet the guideline.

That means that most people are not meeting the minimum requirements and have a higher risk for an injury and higher risk for all-cause mortality.

Fitness for a Senior is similar to an Adult. It may change only if you have a condition. Otherwise, you can maximize your life, feel better and live longer by meeting the key guidelines.

Key Guidelines for Seniors:

  • At least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. Preferably spread throughout the week.
  • 2 or more days a week of muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity.

If you cannot meet the above recommendation because of pain, chronic condition, new to exercise or other barriers; schedule a evaluation with Elevate Physical Therapy and Fitness. We help you find the appropriate types and amounts of activity.

Schedule A Evaluation

You can schedule over the phone 847-447-3098 or online.