Thursday, July 3, 2008

True To Form, Boomers Start A Fitness Revolution

While Bogard's physical exploits are greater than the adventures of many his age, he has a lot of company among 43- to 61-year-old baby boomers -- the fastest-growing segment of the health-conscious crowd. Fitness experts say more boomers are realizing they need a regimen of cardio, strength, flexibility and balance training to enjoy a long, healthy retirement.

Some prefer exercising on their own or joining teams. Others prefer help available at gyms or clubs. The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association reports the number of members over age 55 in its 4,000 clubs climbed from 7.3 million to 7.9 million from 2000 to 2005.

Boomer classes also are popping up at gyms: In Indianapolis, Family Health Insurance there is Boomer Tai Chi for Arthritis and Boomer Low Impact Aerobics at the National Institute for Fitness and Sport, and the dance-aerobic F.I.T. 50 class at the Westview Healthplex Sports Complex, Health Topics for example.

Family Health Insurance And if boomers think they can ease up on exercising as they age, the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association beg to differ. Recently revised recommendations from the two groups say that daily fitness levels for all healthy adults ages 18 to 64 look the same: moderately intense cardio exercise 30 minutes daily five days a week, or vigorously intense cardio 20 minutes a day three days a week, plus eight to 10 strength-training exercises, 10-15 repetitions each, two to three times a week, as well as balance exercises.

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