Exercising to Music

One of the best things to happen for Senior Health and Fitness Exercise Classes in the past 20 years was setting them to music. It has provided an exercise opportunity for many seniors who no longer want to jog or run. In addition, exercising to music provides one less excuse to those of us who would choose to skip fitness classes because it is too hot or raining.

Music provides a sense of pace and the motivation to keep at it, in contrast to other, more isolated activities such as stationary bike or even walking on the treadmill. The pace can be varied by the tempo of the music, which becomes a distraction from the exercise and different moves as we listen to the changing rhythms. In addition, musical exercise sessions offer a better balance of activities to achieve fitness goals in flexibility, muscular strength and endurance. Aerobics with the musical beat improves our cardiorespiratory endurance with more ease and enjoyment. Generally speaking, we will find it easier to increase our heart rate during each session.

We learn to put the emphasis on enjoying the class, not competing with others, either in the types of steps we use or in continuing when our body is telling us to slow down.

As we have mentioned several times, the idea of “no pain, no gain” is wrong and not safe for most seniors. Maybe we should think about changing this to “pain, no brain” for fun!

We want our Senior Health and Fitness Class to be fun and enjoyable. We have learned to “train, don’t strain” in our regular work out routines. This idea is safe and more appropriate, mentally and physically. We are using our music for more motivation for health and fitness training, which will bring us many benefits in the long run!