Getting Back In the Exercise Groove

If you want to strengthen your muscles and improve your overall conditioning at an older age, then gymnastics classes are an excellent option. While you may not have done gymnastics since high school (or ever), classes for adult learners are meant for those who are complete beginners — the instructors will work at your pace in order to help you improve. It's a form of exercise that's perfect for seniors since it is a low-impact exercise that will help you strengthen yourself without risking injury. To learn three reasons why gymnastics classes are a great option for seniors, read on.

1. Builds Core Strength

One thing that sets gymnastics apart from other forms of exercise is that it rapidly builds core strength. Hoisting yourself up onto suspended rings or parallel bars requires you to engage your entire core along with your arms and legs — it's a full-body workout that strengthens multiple muscle groups at once. Building core strength is important for seniors because it helps you maintain a good posture as you get older — strong abdominal muscles help you stand straighter and taller, and you'll develop them quickly by attending classes and performing movements.

2. Offers a Low-Impact Workout

Another reason why gymnastics is an excellent option for seniors is that it's a low-impact workout. High-impact exercise like running on a treadmill can aggravate conditions like arthritis since it puts considerable strain on your joints. During classes, you'll be working out on a padded mat that eases the stress on your joints. In addition, many of the movements you perform during classes (such as holding yourself up on suspended rings) offer only air and gravity for resistance. If you suffer from joint pain, low-impact exercise helps you strengthen and condition your muscles without subjecting your joints to any further damage.

3. Improves Balance

Gymnastics can also help improve your balance. When you're stretching and going through progressions in your classes, you're strengthening your sense of proprioception. Proprioception is the ability to know where your body is in relation to the objects around you, and it's important for maintaining good balance. Improving your balance by taking classes can help you avoid falling, which is very important if you begin to develop osteoporosis as you get older — you're more at risk of breaking a bone if you do fall.

If you're looking for a fun way to build your strength, increase flexibility and improve your balance, look for gymnastics classes for seniors in your area. Classes meant for seniors are tailored towards lower-impact movements compared to the explosive movements you'll find in programs meant for younger adults, and you'll be able to join and start participating even if you've never done gymnastics before.