Chair Exercise Study Leads to Baby Boomer Benefits

May 3, 2010 - PRLog -- Studies prove that not only is it never too late to begin a fitness routine, but exercise actually makes one younger.   Even seated exercises contribute to weight loss, decreased blood pressure and younger  functioning of the mind, body and spirit.    Being bound to a wheelchair or needing to remain seated because of balance, mobility or weight issues is no longer a hindrance to being functionally fit thanks to Functional Fitness.  Suzanne Andrews, host of Functional Fitness on PBS TV worked with a 56 year old female wheelchair bound patient who had multiple sclerosis and the patient was able to lose 50 lbs.  Whether the reasons are chronic, or a result of inactivity or injury, seniors can benefit from seated exercises.  The National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests four areas of exercise based on a study done in conjunction with Stanford University.

Keeping your functional ability means being able to take care of oneself with little or no assistance. This can be as simple as brushing one's teeth to climbing a set of stairs. One can actually incorporate activities of daily living into an exercise routine from their chair. Suzanne Andrews states,  “seniors can push up from a seated position 10– 15 times and they will notice the feeling in the back of the arm which is where the  triceps are - very functional muscles to push off a chair. If one is able to stand up, doing a series of simple stand up, sit down movements in a set of 10-15 repetitions is a top functional move that keeps legs strong.   Strength is area that can be improved right from the chair. You don’t need to stand to lift weights, use a Pilates circle or an exercise band.  Using household equipment can double as weights and can be lifted right from where you are sitting. Senior citizens who exercise are less likely to break bones or injure themselves.  Building strength and stamina prevents bone mass loss and helps fend off the dangers of osteoporosis.”

Functional Fitness, the only series on DVD to include seated and standing versions for the baby boomer generation,  offers the ability to progress from seated to standing exercises and gradually accomplish the most challenging version demonstrated by therapy practitioner, Suzanne Andrews.

In addition to functional ability and strength, the senior citizen who is savvy enough to exercise reaps huge benefits in energy levels. Functional Fitness helps one look better, feel better, stay active longer and boosts levels of confidence no matter what fitness level.   It  also helps boomers born between 1946 -1964 achieve proper weight and sleep better.

There are exercises one can do directly in front of a chair that strengthen your core and work your stabilizer muscles to harness balance.  Functional Fitness’s exercise physiologist, Kathy DeMarco and Physical Therapy Practitioner, Charlene Marsh demonstrates how light stretching from a seated position can be incorporated into a seated exercise routine with ease and safety.

Last, but certainly not least, is brain function. Exercise actually aids in mental acuity. Keeping the brain active is vital in stopping the progression of brain and memory disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Functional Fitness’s Brain Power DVD demonstrates specific exercises important for cognitive and spatial retention in senior citizens.  “Brain Power’s refreshing program supports relevant current research on the importance of exercise for improved cognitive (brain) functioning.
Suzanne's dedication to baby boomers health is evident in both her enthusiastic approach and knowledge in her craft", states Dr. Alice Godbey, Ed.D., Professor, Behavioral & Social Sciences, Daytona State College.

Chair exercises can be as effective as any other form of exercise and are expertly instructed in the doctor recommended Functional Fitness DVD series.  
For a free membership to the Functional Fitness Club where you will recieve your Free Look and Feel 10 Years  Younger in 30 days go to www.healthwiseexercise.com

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Host of Functional Fitness on PBS TV and occupational therapy practitioner, Suzanne Andrews specializes in increasing your ability to live better, longer and healthier regardless of your age or ability level.